UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 27 October 2025

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• A Brief About Bilateral Ties
• Key Highlights of Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on his first bilateral visit to India, assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Sri Lankan territory will not be used in ways detrimental to Indian interests.
• Both leaders emphasised strengthening cooperation in defence, economic development, and regional security.

A Brief About Bilateral Ties:

• Historical ties: Relations date back to ancient times with strong cultural and religious ties, particularly Buddhism, which originated in India. Many Sri Lankans trace their ancestry to India.
• Key areas of cooperation:
  • Trade and economic bonds:
    • India is Sri Lanka’s third-largest export destination, with over 60% of exports benefiting from the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.
    • FDI from India amounted to USD 1.7 billion (2005-2019).
  • Energy cooperation: A multi-product petroleum pipeline is planned from southern India to Sri Lanka to ensure affordable and reliable energy supplies.
  • Defence and security: Regular military (Mitra Shakti) and naval (SLINEX) exercises are conducted. Sri Lanka is part of BIMSTEC and SAARC, where India plays a significant role.
  • People-to-People ties: India was the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka in 2022, with over 100,000 visitors. Enhancing digital payments will facilitate easier business and tourism exchanges.
• Significance of India-Sri Lanka relations:
  • Geopolitical importance: Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean at the crossroads of major shipping lanes makes it vital for India’s trade and security interests.
  • Regional development: Sri Lanka’s integration with the Southern economy aligns with India’s regional growth vision.
  • Ease of business and connectivity: Digital platforms like UPI and fintech integration simplify trade and tourism, strengthening economic ties.
• Challenges in India-Sri Lanka relations:
  • Fisheries dispute: Indian fishermen often cross into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests and tensions.
  • Katchatheevu Island dispute: The 1974 agreement recognised Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory but allowed Indian fishermen to access surrounding waters. A 1976 pact restricted these rights, creating friction.
  • Border security: The porous maritime border enables smuggling of narcotics and illegal immigration.
  • Tamil ethnic issue: India remains concerned about the Tamil minority’s rights in Sri Lanka, with historical sensitivities tied to the ethnic conflict.
  • China’s influence: Increasing Chinese investments (e.g., Hambantota port, Colombo port projects) raise concerns about regional strategic imbalances.

Key Highlights of Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India:

• Security cooperation:
  • Mutual security commitments:
    • President Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lanka’s territory will not harm Indian interests.
    • Both leaders stressed interconnected security interests and agreed to finalise a defence cooperation agreement, and emphasised a safe, secure, and free Indian Ocean Region while countering traditional and non-traditional threats.
  • Defence collaboration: Key measures -
    • Exploring a framework agreement on defence cooperation.
    • Augmenting Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities via defence platforms and joint exercises.
    • Enhancing maritime surveillance, defence training, and dialogues.
    • The Colombo Security Conclave will focus on maritime security, cyber security, and counter-terrorism.
• Addressing Tamil minority issues:
  • Modi highlighted the need for reconciliation and reconstruction for Tamil minorities.
  • He expressed hope for full implementation of Sri Lanka’s Constitution and the holding of provincial council elections.
  • Notably, the 13th Amendment and war crime investigations were not discussed in the joint statement.
  • Dissanayake emphasised unity, social protection, and sustainable development.
• Fishermen issues:
  • Both sides discussed the livelihood challenges of fishermen.
  • Agreement:
    • Adopt a humanitarian approach to address disputes.
    • Avoid aggressive behavior and focus on a long-term solution.
    • Leaders instructed officials to continue dialogue for resolution.
• Economic and energy cooperation:
  • Investment-led growth: Modi emphasised a futuristic vision for economic growth with a focus on investment-led development and enhanced connectivity (physical, digital, and energy).
  • Key initiatives:
    • India’s support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis (worth US$ 5 billion).
    • Boosting energy ties through:
      • Electricity grid connectivity.
      • Multi-product petroleum pipelines.
      • Solar power projects in Sampur.
      • LNG supply to Sri Lanka’s power plants.
      • Trilateral cooperation among India, Sri Lanka, and UAE for a petroleum pipeline.
    • Digital transformation: Plans to expedite -
      • Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project.
      • Adoption of UPI digital payments.
      • Integration of platforms like Aadhaar, GeM, PM Gati Shakti, and DigiLocker.
• Connectivity and tourism: Launch of a ferry service between Rameshwaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri Lanka). Promotion of Ramayana and Buddhist circuits to boost tourism.
• Capacity building and scholarships: India announced -
  • Rehabilitation of Sri Lanka’s railway signalling system.
  • Scholarships for Sri Lankan university students.
  • Training for 1,500 civil servants over five years.
• Diplomatic engagements and agreements: Sri Lanka and India signed pacts on -
  • Avoidance of double taxation.
  • Capacity building and training.
  • Dissanayake invited PM Modi for a bilateral visit to Sri Lanka.

Conclusion:

• President Dissanayake’s visit reinforced the strong bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka, emphasising shared security interests, economic cooperation, and inclusive development.
• Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing key challenges while building a prosperous future for both nations.

Q.1. What is String of Pearls?

The String of Pearls is a geopolitical theory that refers to China's network of commercial and military bases and ports in the Indian Ocean region. The network includes ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, and other countries.

Q.2. Why is Hambantota port in Sri Lanka a cause of worry for India?

India had opposed the docking of the Chinese ships at the Hambantota port as it feared that China could use the port, which is close to the main Asia-Europe shipping route, as a military base.

News: Sri Lankan president Dissanayake meets PM Modi, vows not to let the country’s territory be used for anti-India activities

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• What is Heat wave?
• What is Criterion for Declaring Heat wave?
• How India Meteorological Department (IMD) Monitors the Heat wave?
• How Does Heatwave Affect Human Body?
• How to Avoid Heat Stroke?
• News Summary
• Why Has April Month Been so Hot?

Why in the News?

• India continues to battle temperatures soaring to record levels, especially in April.
• The month has brought unusually intense heat, affecting even hill stations and other regions not usually associated with the weather.
• The southern peninsular and southeastern coast regions, which include Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, among others, have been worst affected.

What is Heat wave?

• Qualitatively, heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to human body when exposed.
• Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal.
• In certain countries it is defined in term of the heat index based on temperature and humidity or based on extreme percentile of the temperatures.

What is Criterion for Declaring Heat wave?

• Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 400C or more for Plains and at least 300C or more for Hilly regions.
• For coastal regions –
  • When maximum temperature departure is 4.50C or more from normal, Heat Wave may be described provided actual maximum temperature is 370C or more.
• Period of Heat wave over India –
  • It is occurring mainly during March to June and in some rare cases even in July. The peak month of the heat wave over India is May.
• Heat wave prone areas of India –
  • Heat wave generally occurs over plains of northwest India, Central, East & north Peninsular India during March to June.

How India Meteorological Department (IMD) Monitors the Heat wave?

• IMD has a big network of surface observatories covering entire country to measure various metrological parameters like Temperature, Relative humidity, pressure, wind speed & direction etc.
• Based on daily maximum temperature station data, climatology of maximum temperature is prepared for the period 1981-2010 to find out normal maximum temperature of the day for particular station.
• Thereafter, IMD declared heat wave over the region as per its definition.

How Does Heatwave Affect Human Body?

• We all feel drained and tired after stepping out on an extremely hot day.
• This is referred to as heat exhaustion, which happens when the body sweats excessively to keep the core temperature low.
• A heat stroke happens when the ambient temperature is so high that the body is unable to sweat to regulate the core temperature, which shoots up to 400C.
• In these cases, there is a severe imbalance of salts such as sodium and potassium in the body.
• The high core temperature coupled with salt imbalances disrupts organs, leading to a host of symptoms.
• It can affect the brain, making a person foggy, drowsy, and in severe cases may also lead to a person going into a coma.
• It can lead to kidney and liver damage as well. A cascade of such symptoms leads to death due to heat stroke.

How to Avoid Heat Stroke?

• The primary aim should be to bring down the core temperature of the body fast.
• This can be done by pouring cold water over the person, making them drink cold drinks, and giving them electrolytes to balance salt levels.
• To prevent heat stroke, it is better to avoid stepping out in direct sunlight, especially between noon and 3 pm. You should avoid strenuous activity during this time.

News Summary

• According to The Indian Express, the Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ) spanning central, north, and peninsular India is prone to heatwave annually, between March and June.
• Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, parts of Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are the most heatwave-prone states or regions, the report explains.
• However, this month, large areas of Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Bihar, and Jharkhand also felt the heat, indicating that the temperatures are rapidly soaring during summers.

Why Has April Month Been so Hot?

• In its forecast for April, the IMD warned of extreme heat and prolonged heatwave conditions to prevail over large parts of the country during the month. There are two main reasons for this.
• One, 2024 is a year that began in an El Niño state.
  • El Niño, a weather pattern, refers to an abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which leads to extreme heat in many parts of the world and the ocean.
  • It developed in June 2023 and generally, the years which begin in an El Niño state, experience extreme temperatures, harsh, multiple and extended heatwave spells, and lack of pre-monsoon rainfall.
• Two, the persistent presence of anticyclone systems over southern peninsular and south-eastern coastal areas.
  • These high-pressure systems, which exist at about the altitude of 3 km and extend between 1,000 and 2,000 km in length, push the air underneath them towards the Earth, in a process called air subsidence.
  • As a result, the forcefully sunk air generates more heat on the surface closer to the Earth.
  • The presence of anticyclone systems also leads to wind flow from land towards the sea and prevents the incoming cooler sea breeze, which is otherwise responsible for cooling land from time to time.
• El Niño and anticyclone systems collectively created sweltering hot conditions and heatwaves during April, especially over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and analysis of weather models indicate that heatwaves in India shall no longer remain contained over only those regions traditionally believed to be prone.

Newer areas, especially from the southern peninsular India, are already experiencing heatwaves.

Q1. What is Loo?

The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan. It is especially strong in the months of May and June. Due to its very high temperatures, exposure to it often leads to fatal heatstrokes.

Q2. What do you mean by La Nina?

La Nina is a cooling of the water in the equatorial Pacific, which occurs at irregular intervals, and is associated with widespread changes in weather patterns complementary to those of El Niño, but less extensive and damaging in their effects.

Source: Heatwaves in several parts of India: Why has April been hotter than usual? | ToI

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are Finfluencers?
• New rules by SEBI

Why in News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India’s markets regulator, has asked brokers and mutual funds to stop using the services of unregulated financial influencers for marketing and advertising campaigns.

In addition to regulating finfluencers, SEBI has introduced a fixed price process for delisting frequently traded shares and established a delisting framework for Investment and Holding Companies (IHC).

What are Finfluencers?

• About
  • Finfluencers are people with public social media platforms offering advice and sharing personal experiences about money and investment in stocks. 
  • Their videos cover budgeting, investing, property buying, cryptocurrency advice and financial trend tracking.
• Popularity of finfluencers
  • The popularity of finfluencers is evident from their massive subscriber counts, often exceeding those of leading broking firms. 
  • This has resulted in substantial earnings for the most successful finfluencers, with estimates ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh per month.
  • However, the low barriers to entry in this space have also led to increased exposure to potential bad actors and questionable advice.
• Need to regulate finfluencers
  • There has been a sharp rise in the number of various ‘unregistered’ investment advisors giving unsolicited social media ‘stock’ tips on various social media platforms.
    • The rise of finfluencers can be attributed to India's low financial literacy rate of 27% and the influx of new investors during the Covid-19 pandemic. 
    • With the democratization of trading through new-age broking apps and affordable smartphones, many first-time investors turned to finfluencers for guidance.
    • However, the lack of financial education and the focus on market updates by business news channels created a vacuum that finfluencers have been filling.
  • There were also reports that certain companies used social media platforms to boost their share prices through such finfluencers.
  • Recently, an online portal claimed that finfluencers get paid Rs 7 to 9 lakh per endorsement to push financial products on social media.
  • There are two important aspects which requires attention:
    • It is unclear if these influencers have any educational or professional qualification to offer such financial advice, and 
    • If there is any kind of monetary transaction that happens between them and the entity they are promoting.
• Criticism
  • Critics have raised the concerns in this regard. They claim that finflencers render advice to their followers which comes under the ambit of Freedom of Expression of the Constitution.
  • Followers are not forced to take action based on the recommendations of these finfluencers.
  • They point towards the fact that often celebrities endorse certain products without having any expertise. Also, they take money to promote the products.
  • In this context, these critics claim that regulating the finfluencers would be improper. 

New rules by SEBI

• SEBI Tightens Norms on Financial Influencers
  • Under the new rules, brokers and mutual funds are prohibited from using the services of unregulated financial influencers for marketing and advertising campaigns. 
  • However, financial influencers engaged in investor education will be exempt from these restrictions. 
  • The regulated entities will be responsible for ensuring that the individuals they associate with adhere to the rules of conduct set by SEBI, including avoiding promises of assured returns.
• Changes to Derivative Trading Regulations
  • SEBI has introduced new criteria to determine which stocks can be linked to derivative products, such as futures and options. 
  • The total number of stocks eligible for derivative trading is expected to increase slightly.
• Eased Delisting Rules
• The regulator has approved changes to delisting rules, making it easier for companies to exit from stock exchanges. 
  • Currently, delisting is carried out via reverse book-building.
  • Reverse book-building is primarily used by companies that wish to delist their shares from a stock exchange. 
  • The objective is to determine the exit price at which shareholders are willing to sell their shares back to the company or promoters.
• Companies can now offer their shareholders fixed prices for shares as an alternative to the current reverse book-building mechanism. 
• The fixed price must be at least 15% above a floor price, which will be determined by rules set by the regulator.
• The regulator has also decided to remove financial disincentives for the managing director and chief technology officer of exchanges and other market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) in the event of technical glitches.

Q.1. What is the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?

SEBI, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, is the regulatory body tasked with overseeing and regulating the securities market in India. It ensures investor protection and promotes fair and orderly functioning of the markets.

Q.2. What is reverse book-building?

Reverse book-building is a process used to determine the price at which a company's shares will be delisted from a stock exchange. Shareholders indicate the minimum price they are willing to accept for their shares during this period.

Source: SEBI tightens norms on financial influencers, eases rules for delisting | Times of India

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Military Space Doctrine India Latest News
• Need For a Space Security Doctrine
• India's Key Developments in Space Security
• Conclusion: Towards a Space-Ready Military
• Military Space Doctrine India FAQs

Military Space Doctrine India Latest News

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan announced that India is in the final stages of formulating a Military Space Doctrine, expected to be released within two to three months. 
• A National Military Space Policy is also under development. This is an important step as the world is on the “cusp of an era” where space is becoming a key domain of warfare, necessitating preparedness through structured doctrines, research, and institutional frameworks.

Need For a Space Security Doctrine

• Rising Global Concerns Over Weaponisation of Outer Space
  • In April 2024, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution (drafted by the US and Japan) to prevent an arms race in outer space.
    • UN has called for a legally binding instrument to prevent arms race in outer space, but Russia and China rejected the 2024 draft resolution.
  • This follows fears of Russia developing nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
  • Military use of space has been ongoing since Sputnik (1957), with increasing threats of space warfare and space-based defence systems.
• Militarization Trends: Space as the Fifth Operational Domain
  • NATO declared space a fifth operational domain in 2019, reflecting its critical role in defence.
  • Countries like the US and Russia have created independent space forces and formulated doctrines to secure space dominance.
  • The failure of global consensus on responsible behaviours (e.g., the 2023 Working Group report) reflects growing mistrust among major powers.
• Geopolitical and Astropolitical Tensions
  • India faces growing geopolitical and astropolitical tensions, especially with China and Pakistan.
  • China's space advancements, including the Space Silk Road and PLA’s restructured security forces (including Aerospace and Cyberspace), pose direct security challenges.
• Other Factors
  • Rising threats such as orbital, kinetic, electronic warfare, and cyber threats necessitate resilient space-based systems.
  • India's expanding space capabilities demand clear institutional frameworks to integrate civil, commercial, and military space activities.
  • Military space operations are critical for - Safeguarding national security; Addressing vulnerabilities of space-based systems; Tackling emerging space-based threats.

India's Key Developments in Space Security

• Adherence to Space Norms
  • India adheres to major international space treaties including:
    • 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST)
    • 1968 Rescue Agreement
    • 1972 Liability Convention
    • 1974 Registration Convention
    • Signatory to the 1979 Moon Agreement
  • India is a member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and follows the 2008 Debris Mitigation Guidelines.
• India's Key Developments in Space Security
  • 2019 ASAT Test (Mission Shakti): India demonstrated its counter-space capabilities, joining the US, Russia, and China.
  • 2010 – Integrated Space Cell: Enhanced coordination between the Department of Space and Armed Forces.
  • 2018 – Defence Space Agency (DSA): Formed to address space-based military threats.
    • DSA is playing a central role in: Drafting the military space doctrine; Building an integrated satellite communication grid; Identifying and countering threats to national security from both state and non-state actors.
  • 2023 – Indian Space Policy (ISP): First formal space policy, although it lightly touches upon “national security”.
  • 52-Satellite Constellation for Defence: The government has approved the launch of a 52-satellite constellation for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
    • 31 satellites to be built by the private sector
    • Execution in partnership with ISRO and private players
    • Aimed at bridging operational gaps and preparing for future threats
  • GSAT-9 (2017): Used space diplomacy through the South Asia Satellite, strengthening regional influence (excluding Pakistan).
  • International Partnerships: India is strengthening space cooperation with QUAD, France, and others.

Conclusion: Towards a Space-Ready Military

India’s ongoing reforms in the space sector and the development of military space doctrines and policies reflect a strategic shift towards embracing space as a crucial frontier for national security. These initiatives aim to build resilience, foster innovation, and integrate military, civil, and private capabilities for a robust space defence architecture.

Military Space Doctrine India FAQs

Q1. Why is India creating a Military Space Doctrine?

Ans. To address rising space-based threats and assert strategic preparedness in the rapidly militarizing space domain.

Q2. What is Mission Shakti?

Ans. India’s 2019 anti-satellite (ASAT) test demonstrating its capability to neutralize satellites, joining global space powers.

Q3. What challenges does India face in space?

Ans. India faces growing astropolitical threats, especially from China’s military space advancements and space-based warfare capabilities.

Q4. What role does the Defence Space Agency play?

Ans. It drafts the doctrine, builds space systems, and coordinates responses to space-based military threats.

Q5. What is the significance of the 52-satellite constellation?

Ans. To boost India's surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capacity in collaboration with private players and ISRO.

Source: TH | NUJS

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Article 131 of the Constitution of India?
• What is Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?
• Consent Required by the CBI for Conducting Investigation in a State
• Centre’s Plea on maintainability of CBI probes

Why in News?

Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the West Bengal government's suit alleging that the CBI is pressing ahead with investigation into post-poll violence cases in the state, without securing its prior nod as per the law.

Earlier, the Centre had told SC that West Bengal’s original suit under Article 131 of the Constitution against it to not allow probe by the agency in the state was not maintainable and is an abuse of legal process.

What is Article 131 of the Constitution of India?

• Article 131 of the Constitution of India gives the Supreme Court (SC) the power to exclusively decide disputes between different units of the Indian Federation. 
• These disputes include:
  • Between the Government of India and one or more states
  • Between the Government of India and any state(s) on one side and one or more states on the other
  • Between two or more states, if the dispute involves a question of law or fact on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends 

What is Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?

• About
  • The CBI is the premier investigating agency of India operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
  • It traces its origin from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DPSE) Act, 1946, which regulates the CBI.
  • As the DPSE Act is not passed by Parliament of India, CBI is created by an executive order of the government, hence not a statutory body yet and is exempted from the purview of theRight to Information (RTI) Act.
  • Originally set up to probe cases of corruption in the government departments, CBI’s jurisdiction expanded to include several economic crimes, special crimes, cases of corruption and other cases. 
  • Investigating powers of CBI are divided into: 
  • Anti-Corruption Division: It investigates cases against central government employees, public servants working under state governments (entrusted to the CBI by the state).
  • The Economic Offences Division: It investigates financial crimes, bank frauds, money laundering, illegal money market operations, graft in PSUs and banks.
  • The Special Crimes Division: It handles cases of conventional nature such as offences relating to internal security, espionage, narcotics and psychotropic substances, etc. 

Consent Required by the CBI for Conducting Investigation in a State:

• Legal basis: Section 6 of the DPSE Act authorises the central government to direct CBI to probe a case within the jurisdiction of any state but only with the consent of the concerned state government.
  • However, the SC and HCs can order CBI to investigate such a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the state.
• Types of consent:
  • General consent: When a state gives a general consent to the CBI for probing a case, the agency is not required to seek fresh permission every time it enters that state in connection with investigation or for every case.
• It is normally given by states to help the CBI in the seamless investigation of corruption cases against central government employees in their states.
• Specific consent: When a general consent is withdrawn, CBI needs to seek case-wise (specific) consent for investigation from the concerned state government. 
  • If specific consent is not granted, the CBI officials will not have the power of police personnel when they enter that state, preventing the CBI from conducting a thorough inquiry. 
• States which have withdrawn general consent so far
• So far, 10 States have withdrawn the general consent to CBI to probe the case. These are:
  • Punjab, Jharkhand, Kerala, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Mizoram, Telangana, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu.
• Withdrawal of General Consent and its Impact:
  • The withdrawal of general consent does not stop CBI probes in all cases.
  • The CBI continues to probe in old cases until specifically taken back by the state government. 
  • Further, it continues to investigate cases that were given to it by a court order.
  • The CBI can also challenge the decision (of withdrawal of general consent) in a court showcasing its progress of investigation in the case. 
  • When the CBI does not have a general consent, it can approach a local court (as per a provision in theCrPC) for a search warrant and conduct investigation. 

Centre’s Plea on maintainability of CBI probes

• Background
  • The Supreme court was hearing an original suit filed by the State of West Bengal under Article 131 of the Constitution.
  • The WB Govt has accused the Union govt of interfering in cases originating within the State’s jurisdiction by unilaterally authorising the CBI to probe them.
• Stand of WB Govt
  • The Centre continues to employ the CBI regardless of the fact that the State had withdrawn its general consent to CBI investigations within its territory.
    • WB had withdrawn the consent under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 way back in November 2018. 
  • The CBI has registered over 15 cases in West Bengal.
• Stand of Centre
  • The Solicitor General had argued that the suit was not maintainable and should be dismissed at the outset. 
  • West Bengal had wrongly made the Union the defendant in the suit. The petitioners were wrong to term the CBI as the “police force of the Union”. 
  • The Centre had no role in where and how the CBI conducted its investigation, he contended.
  • It also argued that the suit could not be amended to make CBI a defendant as it was not a ‘state’ under Article 131. 
    • The original suits under Article 131 could only be filed for disputes involving the Centre and States.
• Observations made by the SC
  • Questioning the claim of the Centre, the SC highlighted Section 5(1) of the DSPE Act, the statute which governs the premier probe agency.
    • Section 5(1) allows the Central government to give the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) jurisdiction over areas in states, including railway areas, to investigate specific offenses.

Q.1. What is general consent to the CBI? 

General consent is a form of consent that a state government can give to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate crimes within their territory. With general consent, the CBI can operate without needing to apply for consent on a case-by-case basis. However, if a state government withdraws its general consent, the CBI cannot register new cases involving central government officials or private individuals in that state without the state government's prior permission. 

Q.2. What is the role of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions?

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is the coordinating agency of the Central Government in personnel matters specially issues concerning recruitment, training, career development, staff welfare as well as the post retirement dispensation.

Source: In Supreme Court, Centre says it sends CBI to States for probes | Indian Express | Times of India

What’s in Today’s Article?

• UNESCO Memory of the World Latest News
• UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme: A Global Effort to Preserve Documentary Heritage
• India’s Contributions to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
• Natyashastra: A Pillar of Indian Performing Arts
• Bhagavad Gita: A Timeless Spiritual Dialogue
• UNESCO Memory of the World FAQs

UNESCO Memory of the World Latest News

• The manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra have been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register among 74 new entries. 
• PM Modi hailed this as a proud moment for all Indians, noting that these ancient texts have shaped civilization and continue to inspire globally.

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme: A Global Effort to Preserve Documentary Heritage

• Launched in 1992, UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MoW) Programme aims to protect valuable archive holdings and library collections worldwide. 
• It seeks to prevent "collective amnesia" by ensuring the preservation and wide accessibility of the world’s documentary heritage.

Objective and Vision

• The programme upholds that the world’s documentary heritage belongs to all and must be preserved, protected, and made permanently accessible, respecting cultural contexts and practicalities.

The MoW Register

• At the heart of the programme is the Memory of the World Register — a curated list of documents, manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials, and archival holdings of global significance and universal value.

Updates and Submissions

• The Register has been updated biennially since 1997, with exceptions between 2017 and 2023.
• A maximum of two submissions per country are considered for inclusion in any given year.
• The number of new additions ranges from 9 (in 1999) to 78 (in 2017).

Current Status and Notable Inclusions

• The Register now features 570 entries.
• Examples include:
  • Mahavamsa (Sri Lanka’s historical chronicle)
  • Drawings by Sakubei Yamamoto (Japan, Meiji era)
  • Over 11,000 Shaiva Siddhanta manuscripts
  • 430 hours of Frankfurt Auschwitz trial recordings (1963–65)
  • Video of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7, 1971 speech

India’s Contributions to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

• India has made 13 submissions to the Register, including two joint entries with other nations.

Range of Submissions

• India’s entries span ancient scriptures, philosophical works, and modern political archives:
  • Rig Veda (added in 2005)
  • Works of Shaivite philosopher Abhinavagupta (added in 2023)
  • Archives of the first Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, Belgrade, 1961 (added in 2023)
  • Archives of the Dutch East India Company (added in 2003)

Joint Submissions

• NAM summit archives: Jointly submitted with Algeria, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Serbia
• Dutch East India Company archives: Jointly submitted with Indonesia, Netherlands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka

Recent Additions Highlight Literary Heritage

• India’s 2024 submissions focus on ancient manuscripts — specifically preserved versions of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra — maintained by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune. 
• These reflect the country’s enduring contribution to world literature and philosophical thought.

Natyashastra: A Pillar of Indian Performing Arts

• Traditionally attributed to sage Bharata, the Natyashastra is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts. 
• It comprises around 36,000 verses detailing drama (natya), performance (abhinaya), music (sangita), emotions (bhava), and aesthetic experience (rasa).

Date and Compilation

• Scholars estimate its compilation between 500 BCE and 500 CE, with UNESCO citing around the 2nd century BCE as the most likely period.

Core Contribution: The Concept of Rasa

• The Natyashastra is renowned for its exposition of rasa — the “essence” or emotional flavor of a performance. 
• Bharata declared, “no meaning can blossom forth without rasa,” making it central to all artistic expression.
• According to Wallace Dace, while actors imitate emotions, the audience “tastes” them — a distinct, aesthetic experience separate from real-life emotions.
• Susan L. Schwartz adds that this process transports audiences into a “parallel reality,” enabling reflection on spiritual and moral dimensions of life.

UNESCO Recognition

• UNESCO hails the Natyashastra as a profound contribution to world literature, highlighting its influence on global theories of aesthetics and performance.

Bhagavad Gita: A Timeless Spiritual Dialogue

• Traditionally ascribed to sage Vyasa, the Bhagavad Gita is a Sanskrit scripture consisting of 700 verses divided into 18 chapters. 
• It is embedded within the sixth book (Bhishma Parva) of the epic Mahabharata.

Philosophical Synthesis

• UNESCO describes the Gita as a cornerstone of India’s intellectual tradition, synthesising diverse schools of thought including Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Charvaka philosophies.

Dating and Composition

• While the text is generally dated to the first or second century BCE, some scholars, like Winthrop Sargeant, suggest it was first written down in the second or third centuries CE after an earlier oral tradition.

Core Narrative and Themes

• The Gita presents a profound dialogue between warrior Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on the eve of the great war of the Mahabharata.
• Faced with the moral dilemma of fighting his own kin, Arjuna seeks guidance, and Krishna's response unfolds the Gita’s central themes: duty (dharma), righteousness, detachment, devotion, and self-realization.

UNESCO Memory of the World FAQs

Q1. What is UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme?

Ans. Launched in 1992, it preserves and ensures global access to documentary heritage, including manuscripts and oral traditions.

Q2. What is the significance of Bhagavad Gita's inclusion?

Ans. It represents India's intellectual tradition and philosophical synthesis, with timeless themes of duty, devotion, and self-realization.

Q3. What is the Natyashastra?

Ans. An ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts, detailing drama, music, emotions, and aesthetics, attributed to sage Bharata.

Q4. When was the Natyashastra likely compiled?

Ans. It was compiled between 500 BCE and 500 CE, with around the 2nd century BCE being the most likely period.

Q5. What is the role of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register?

Ans. It curates global documents and manuscripts of significant cultural value, ensuring their preservation and accessibility.

Source: IE | ToI | HT

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Capital Gain Tax?
• Indexation benefits
• Govt to restore indexation benefit for property

Why in News?

Following criticism over the Budget proposal to remove the indexation benefit on long-term capital gains (LTCG) from selling unlisted assets, the government has decided to offer taxpayers a choice.

For properties acquired before July 23, 2024, taxpayers can either pay LTCG tax at 20% with the indexation benefit or pay LTCG tax at the new rate of 12.5% without the indexation benefit.

This change comes from amendments made by the government in the Finance Bill.

What is Capital Gain Tax?

• About
  • A capital gains tax is a tax imposed on the sale of an asset. It is calculated as the difference between the sale price of the property and its purchase price.
  • Any gain or loss incurred from the sale of a house property may be subject to tax under the 'Capital Gains' head.
  • Similarly, capital gains or losses may arise from sale of different types of capital assets such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds and other investments.
• Types
  • Depending of the period an asset is held with the owner, there are two types of capital gains - Short-term Capital Gains and Long-term Capital Gains.
• Budget 2024 and Capital Gain Tax
  • For classifying assets into long-term and short-term, there will only be two holding periods: 12 months and 24 months.
• The 36-month holding period has been removed.
  • All listed securities with a holding period exceeding 12 months are considered Long-Term. The holding period for all other assets is 24 months.
  • The taxation of Short-Term Capital Gain for listed equity shares, a unit of an equity-oriented fund, and a unit of a business trust has been increased to 20% from 15%.
• Other financial and non-financial assets which are held for short term shall continue to attract the tax at slab rates.
  • The limit on the exemption of Long-Term Capital Gains on the transfer of equity shares or equity-oriented units or units of Business Trust has increased from Rs.1 Lakh to Rs.1.25 lakh per year.
• However, the rate at which it is taxed has increased from 10% to 12.5%.
  • The tax on long-term capital gains on other financial and non-financial assets is reduced from 20% to 12.5%.

Indexation benefits

• About
  • In case of property sale, indexation helps in adjusting its purchase price according to the prevailing inflation rate.
  • So basically, the adjustment inflates the purchase price of a property considering the inflation over the invested years.
  • This ultimately brings down the taxable capital gains on the sale of the property.
  • Through indexation, investors can accurately determine their capital gains and be assured that they are paying taxes only on the real gains after inflation is adjusted.
• Calculation
  • The government releases cost inflation index (CII) numbers to index capital gains on specified assets.
• CII number takes into account the prevailing inflation for the particular financial year.
  • Formula to calculate the adjusted purchase price using the cost inflation index is:
• Indexed cost = Purchase Amount * (CII in year of sale / CII in year of purchase).
• Initially, I-T department had set 1981 as the base year and later shifted it to 2001, with a base value of 100.
• Each year’s index is computed relative to this base.
  • This adjustment ensures that the taxable gain reflects the real increase in the asset’s value, not just the effect of inflation.
• Possible impact of removal of indexation benefit
  • Slowdown in the resale market
    • It may discourage owners of older residential properties and land from selling, as the increased tax liability reduces their potential profit.
  • Rise in cash transactions
    • There’s a concern that this change could incentivize under-the-table cash deals to avoid the higher tax burden, counteracting efforts to formalize the real estate sector.
  • Higher property prices
    • Sellers may attempt to offset the increased tax burden by raising property prices, effectively transferring the cost to buyers.

Govt to restore indexation benefit for property

• Background
  • The budget 2024 had announced the removal of the indexation benefits available on the property sale. It introduced a 12.5% LTCG tax rate without indexation.
  • The indexation benefit that was previously available on sale of long-term assets, has now been done away with.
  • So, any sale of long-term asset made after 23rd July, 2024, will attract tax rate of 12.5% only without indexation benefit.
• The indexation benefit, however, can be taken on the sale of property bought or inherited before 2001.
• Indexation benefits on property transactions to stay on
  • After backlash from different quarters, the Centre has decided to revisit its decision to scrap the indexation benefits on property transactions.
  • The government amended the Finance Bill, 2024, allowing people to choose between a 12.5% LTCG tax rate without indexation or a 20% rate with indexation for property acquired before July 23, 2024.
• Now a resident tax payer can opt for tax rate which is more beneficial for properties acquired prior to 23 July 2024.
• Initially, there was no grandfathering for properties bought after April 1, 2001.

Q.1. What is cost inflation index (CII)?

The Cost Inflation Index (CII) is a measure used in India to account for inflation in the computation of long-term capital gains tax. Published annually by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), it adjusts the purchase price of assets to reflect inflation, thereby reducing the taxable capital gains.

Q.2. What is Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is a part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance in India. It is responsible for administering direct tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, and ensures tax compliance, policy formulation, and enforcement. The CBDT also advises the government on tax-related matters.

Source: After backlash, govt roll back: indexation benefits available on LTCG tax on sale of property | Financial Express | Live Mint

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT)?
• Need and Significance of the FF-NPT
• Understanding the FF-NPT Framework and Challenges
• India's Position on the FF-NPT and Way Ahead for the FF-NPT
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• A growing coalition of governments and civil society organisations is advocating for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT), aimed at phasing out fossil fuels and promoting a just transition to renewable energy.

What is the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT)?

• About: Conceptualised in 2016 and officially launched in 2019, the FF-NPT proposes to make it legally binding on nations to end fossil fuel extraction, wind down existing production, and manage a just transition to renewable energy.
• Objective: Inspired by international treaties regulating nuclear weapons, this initiative seeks to address the escalating climate crisis by curbing fossil fuel production and ensuring equitable global energy access.
• Origins and evolution: Conceptualised around the time the Paris Agreement was signed, the FF-NPT has gained endorsements from notable entities, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, indigenous communities, and small island states.
• Recent developments:
  • At COP29 to the UNFCCC in Baku (Azerbaijan), 10 more countries joined discussions on FF-NPT, though their identities remain undisclosed.
  • The treaty has been endorsed by 13 Small Island Developing States in the Pacific, such as Vanuatu and Tuvalu, and major coal-producing nations like Colombia.
• Financial institutions' support: A collective endorsement by 25 members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values marks the initiative's first major backing from the financial sector.

Need and Significance of the FF-NPT:

• Need:
  • The proponents of FF-NPT argue that the Paris Agreement, despite its significance, fails to directly address fossil fuel production.
  • Tzeporah Berman, chair of the FF-NPT initiative, highlighted the dire state of global emissions at COP29:
    • Fossil fuel emissions in 2024 are projected to be 8% higher than in 2015 - the year the Paris Agreement was signed.
    • 2024 is likely to be the hottest year on record, with fossil fuel production incompatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
    • Current policies may lead to 3°C of warming, risking catastrophic consequences for humanity.
  • As fossil fuel emissions continue to rise, global temperatures are on track to exceed safe limits, threatening the planet's future.
• Significance: The proposed treaty will support the work of the Paris Agreement, whether through the implementation of -
  • The New Collective Quantified Goal, which aims to establish a new financial target to assist developing countries in their climate actions post-2025, or
  • Through Nationally Determined Contributions (the climate action plans submitted by countries) and Just Transition Work Programmes.

Understanding the FF-NPT Framework and Challenges:

• Framework: The FF-NPT rests on 3 core pillars:
  • Non-proliferation: Halting the expansion of coal, oil, and gas production through international cooperation.
  • Fair phase-out: Equitably reducing existing fossil fuel production, with wealthier, historically high-emission nations transitioning first.
  • Just transition: Accelerating renewable energy adoption and diversifying economies to ensure no community, worker, or nation is left behind.
• Challenges:
  • Since its official launch in 2019, the treaty has faced significant financial hurdles, particularly in aiding climate-vulnerable nations to transition away from fossil fuels.
  • Without substantial funding, developing nations cannot transition to renewables or mitigate climate change impacts.

India's Position on the FF-NPT and Way Ahead for the FF-NPT:

• India's position: While India has not been extensively engaged, the FF-NPT initiative recognises its significance:
  • As a major fossil fuel consumer, India’s emissions are projected to rise by 4.6% in 2024, according to the Global Carbon Project.
  • Advocates believe India could benefit from the treaty, ensuring justice and equity in the global energy transition.
• Way ahead: The treaty must align with the Paris Agreement's goals, supporting financial mechanisms like the New Collective Quantified Goal.

Conclusion:

• The FF-NPT offers a bold vision for tackling the climate crisis by regulating fossil fuel production akin to nuclear disarmament.
• With increasing support from governments, financial institutions, and vulnerable nations, the initiative underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and equitable solutions.
• However, financial and political challenges must be overcome to turn this vision into a legally binding reality.

Q.1. What is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)?

The NPT is an international treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The treaty was signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970.

Q.2. What is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)?

The NCQG is a target for climate finance that aims to mobilize funds to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change and transitioning to low-carbon economies. The goal was set by the Paris Agreement in 2015.

News: Can fossil fuels be regulated like nuclear weapons? The group that is trying, the success achieved so far

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?
• Initiatives under IPEF
• India signs clean, fair economy agreements of IPEF

Why in News?

India has signed the US-led 14-member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) bloc’s agreements on a clean and fair economy.

The agreements were signed during PM Modi’s visit to the US. These are aimed at facilitating development, access, and deployment of clean energy and climate-friendly technologies. They also aim to strengthen anti-corruption measures and promote tax transparency within member countries.

What is Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

• Background: Origin
  • US President Biden first spoke about the IPEF at the October 2021 East Asia Summit.
  • At this summit, he said that the United States will explore with partners the development of an Indo-Pacific economic framework.
  • This framework will define our shared objectives around:
    • trade facilitation, standards for the digital economy and technology, supply chain resiliency, decarbonization and clean energy, infrastructure, worker standards, and other areas of shared interest.
    • The IPEF will not include market access commitments such as lowering tariff barriers, as the agreement is more of an administrative arrangement.
• About
  • Launched in Tokyo, in May 2023, IPEF aims to strengthen economic engagement among the member countries to advance growth, peace and prosperity in the region.
  • According to an insight paper on IPEF put out by the US Congressional Research Service, the IPEF is not a traditional trade agreement.
  • Rather, it would include different modules (four pillars) covering various aspects.
• Four Pillars of IPEF
  • Pillar I - Fair and resilient trade,
  • Pillar II - Supply chain resilience,
  • Pillar III – Clean economy (infrastructure and decarbonization), and
  • Pillar IV – Fair Economy (tax and anticorruption).
• Countries would have to sign up to all of the components within a module (pillar), but do not have to participate in all modules.
• Members
  • The IPEF has 14 partner countries including Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the US.
• Significance
  • The 14-nation IPEF bloc is seen as crucial as it accounts for about 40 per cent of the world’s GDP and 28 per cent of the world’s trade in goods and services.
  • It is seen as an economic and trade strategy backed by the US to counter China’s economic influence in the region.
• India and IPEF
  • In September 2022, India joined three pillars of the IPEF.
  • These are the supply chain, clean economy, and fair economy pillars of the IPEF.
  • However, it had decided to remain out of the trade pillar. India has an observer status on the trade pillar negotiations.

Initiatives under IPEF

• IPEF Upskilling Initiative
  • The IPEF Upskilling Initiative, launched in September 2022, aims to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth by offering digital skills training, especially for women and girls in emerging and middle-income IPEF partner countries.
  • Over the past two years, 14 US companies and the Asia Foundation have provided 10.9 million upskilling opportunities under this initiative, with India benefiting from 4 million of these opportunities.
  • The initiative focuses on empowering women and girls by enhancing their digital skills for economic development.
• Critical Mineral Dialogue
  • The ongoing dialogue within the IPEF focuses on key areas such as comprehensive mapping of mineral resources, promoting trade by tracking trade flows within the region, and fostering technical collaboration for mineral recovery and recycling.
  • These initiatives aim to strengthen the critical mineral supply chain and ensure sustainable mining practices across IPEF partner countries.
• Tech Council
  • The initiative's main objectives are to coordinate and cooperate on key technologies among IPEF partners.
  • This will be done by sharing best practices and standards, strengthening digital infrastructure resilience, promoting investment, and fostering innovation through workforce development.
  • Current collaboration areas include cybersecurity, undersea cables, and artificial intelligence.
• Cooperative Work Program (CWP)
  • CWP aims to facilitate joint efforts among IPEF countries to advance the objectives of the Clean Economy Agreement.
  • So far, 8 CWP proposals have been announced in IPEF Ministerial meetings.
  • These proposals cover areas such as hydrogen supply chains, carbon markets, clean electricity, sustainable aviation fuel, just transition, emissions intensity accounting, small modular reactors, and India's proposal on e-waste urban mining.

India signs clean, fair economy agreements of IPEF

• About
  • India signed and exchanged the first-of-its-kind agreements focused on Clean Economy, Fair Economy, and the IPEF Overarching arrangement under IPEF.
• IPEF Clean Economy Agreement (Pillar-III)
  • The Agreement on Clean Economy aims to foster cooperation in clean energy and climate technologies to accelerate energy security, climate resilience, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.
  • It promotes technical cooperation, workforce development, capacity building, and research collaborations.
  • The agreement will also facilitate investments, project financing, and joint projects, with a focus on supporting MSMEs and integrating Indian companies into global value chains, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
  • These goals will be achieved through joint initiatives such as Cooperative Work Programmes, the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund, and the IPEF Accelerator.
• IPEF Fair Economy Agreement (Pillar-IV)
  • The Agreement under the IPEF aims to create a more transparent and predictable trade and investment environment by enhancing anti-corruption efforts, including preventing bribery and improving tax transparency.
  • It focuses on boosting information sharing, facilitating asset recovery, and strengthening cross-border investigations and prosecutions.
  • These measures will support India's fight against corruption, money laundering, and terror financing.
  • The partners will also collaborate on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) initiatives to effectively implement anti-corruption measures and improve the efficiency of tax administration.
• Overarching IPEF Agreement
  • The Overarching Agreement under the IPEF establishes a high-level Ministerial oversight mechanism to guide the implementation of various IPEF agreements.
  • It sets general goals, providing political oversight and long-term stability to the IPEF partnership.
  • This agreement aims to ensure the effective implementation of subject agreements (Pillars II-IV), enhancing India’s productive capacity, supply chain integration, and innovation in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Q.1. What agreements did India sign under the IPEF?

India signed agreements focusing on clean economy, fair economy, and an overarching IPEF framework, aimed at enhancing clean energy access, climate resilience, and strengthening anti-corruption measures among member countries.

Q.2. What are the main objectives of the IPEF clean economy agreement?

The IPEF clean economy agreement seeks to promote cooperation in clean energy technologies, facilitate investments, support MSMEs, and integrate Indian companies into global value chains, ultimately aiming for enhanced energy security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: India signs US-led IPEF bloc’s clean, fair economy agreements | PIB | Business Standard

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Assisted Dying and debate around it
• What is the current UK law on this issue? 
• What is the procedure provided in the bill? 
• How does it compare to the law in India?

Why in News?

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced in the UK to provide terminally ill patients with the option to seek assistance to end their lives. The Bill addresses ethical and humanitarian concerns for patients with no hope of recovery, ensuring dignity in their final days.

The Bill was backed by a majority of 330 to 275, with 38 MPs not voting. The Bill will now be sent to a public bill committee which will vote on any proposed amendments before being voted on again in the House of Commons. 

It will then be sent to the House of Lords, where further changes could be made, before a final vote is held.

Assisted Dying and debate around it

• Definition
  • Assisted dying generally refers to a person who is terminally ill receiving lethal drugs from a medical practitioner, which they administer themselves.
  • Assisted suicide is intentionally helping another person to end their life, including someone who is not terminally ill. 
    • That could involve providing lethal medication or helping them travel to another jurisdiction to die.
  • Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician/doctor. 
    • Patients may not be terminally ill.
    • There are two types: voluntary euthanasia, where a patient consents; and non-voluntary, where they cannot because, for example, they are in a coma.
• Arguments in Favor of Assisted Dying
  • Control and Dignity: Allows terminally ill patients to choose a humane way to end their suffering.
  • Limitations of End-of-Life Care: Proponents argue that such care often fails to alleviate pain and symptoms effectively.
  • Suicide Prevention: A legal framework could deter impulsive suicides and prevent family members from being involved in illegal assistance.
  • Arguments Against Assisted Dying
• Risk of Misuse: Potential for coercion, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled.
• Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Detractors fear it could lead to undue pressure on patients to opt for assisted dying.
• Focus on Care Improvements: Critics advocate for enhancing end-of-life care instead of legalizing assisted dying.

What is the current UK law on this issue?

• Current UK Law
  • Both assisted dying and euthanasia are prohibited. Assisted suicide is a punishable offence with up to 14 years in prison.
• History of Assisted Dying Bills in the UK
  • Since 2013, at least three bills have been introduced to legalize assisted dying.
  • The debate remains polarised, reflecting deep ethical and social concerns.

What is the procedure provided in the bill?

• Eligibility Criteria for Assisted Dying
  • Age and Residency: Patient must be 18 or older, mentally capable, and residing in England or Wales for at least 12 months.
  • Terminal Illness Definition: The illness must be irreversible, worsening, and likely to cause death within six months.
  • Exclusions: Persons with disabilities or mental disorders are explicitly excluded.
• Initial Request and Assessment Process
  • First Declaration:
    • Patient signs in the presence of a coordinating doctor and a witness.
    • Coordinating doctor conducts a first assessment to confirm eligibility and voluntariness.
  • Independent Assessment:
    • Request is referred to an independent doctor for verification after a minimum seven-day reflection period.
    • Disagreements between doctors may lead to a referral to another independent doctor (only once).
  • Judicial Review
• If both doctors approve, the request is sent to the High Court of Justice for verification of compliance.
  • High Court may question the patient and doctors.
  • Rejections can be challenged in the Court of Appeal.
• Final Confirmation and Administration
  • Second Period of Reflection:
    • A 14-day waiting period follows High Court or Court of Appeal approval.
    • Patient signs a second declaration, witnessed by the coordinating doctor, the independent doctor, and a third person.
  • Self-Administration:
    • Approved substance is provided to the patient by the coordinating doctor or designated practitioner.
    • Patient must self-administer the substance; the doctor is prohibited from administering it.

How does it compare to the law in India?

• Supreme Court of India’s Recognition of Passive Euthanasia
  • In Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court ruled that the “right to die with dignity” is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
  • Legality of passive euthanasia was established, allowing withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients or those in a permanent vegetative state.
    • Passive euthanasia enables natural death without medical interventions, differing from assisted dying.
• Guidelines for Passive Euthanasia
  • Living Will or Advance Medical Directive
    • Patients can leave directives for withdrawal of life support.
    • Must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and a Judicial Magistrate.
  • Approval Process
    • Requires consent from the treating physician, a medical board, and an external medical board with local administration representation.
  • Challenges and Modifications
    • In 2019, the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine sought changes, terming the guidelines cumbersome and impractical.
    • In 2023, the Supreme Court modified the guidelines to introduce strict timelines and reduce the involvement of the Judicial Magistrate.
    • Awareness and implementation of these guidelines remain limited across India.
  • Draft Guidelines by Ministry of Health (2024)
    • In August 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued draft guidelines similar to the Supreme Court’s recommendations.

Q.1. What are the key provisions of the UK’s Assisted Dying Bill?

The bill allows terminally ill adults, meeting strict eligibility criteria, to request assistance to end their lives. The process involves assessments, judicial approval, and self-administration of the approved substance.

Q.2. How does India’s passive euthanasia law differ from the UK’s bill?

India permits passive euthanasia, allowing withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients. Unlike the UK’s active assisted dying bill, it relies on legal and medical approvals for a natural death without intervention.

News: What UK’s assisted dying bill says, how it compares to Indian law | BBC

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
• UCC debate in Constituent Assembly
• KM Munshi’s Support for the UCC
• Ambedkar’s Support for UCC in Principle
• Outcome of the Debate on Article 35

Why in News?

PM Modi reiterated his support for a nationwide Uniform Civil Code (UCC) during a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the 75-year journey of the Constitution.

He highlighted that the Constituent Assembly extensively debated the UCC and envisioned its implementation by future governments. The Prime Minister quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who advocated for ending religion-based personal laws, and K.M. Munshi, who viewed the UCC as essential for national unity and modernization.

Emphasizing the vision of the Constitution’s drafters, he stated that the government is working with full commitment to establish a “secular civil code.”

What is Uniform Civil Code?

• About
  • A UCC would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities, in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
  • In other words, UCC is a set of rules/regulations, which proposes to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in the country with a common set governing every citizen.
• Constitutional position
  • Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC for citizens throughout the territory of India.
• Article 44 is among the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• Directive Principles are not enforceable by court, but are supposed to inform and guide governance.

UCC debate in Constituent Assembly

• Background of the UCC Debate
  • On November 23, 1948, the Constituent Assembly debated a draft Article 35 (now Article 44) on the UCC, which was included in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
  • The draft stated that the State would aim to secure a UCC for all citizens of India.\
  • However, concerns were raised about its impact on religious communities, leading to its non-binding inclusion under the DPSPs.
• Opposition to the UCC
  • Several members expressed apprehensions.
  • Mohamad Ismail Sahib of the Indian Union Muslim League argued that a uniform code would not necessarily ensure harmony but could lead to discontent by interfering with personal laws.
  • Naziruddin Ahmad echoed similar concerns, stating that religious laws, deeply connected with beliefs and practices, should remain untouched.

KM Munshi’s Support for the UCC

Supported UCC

• K.M. Munshi strongly advocated for the UCC, countering the criticism that it would be “tyrannical” to minorities.
• He pointed out that even advanced Muslim countries had not treated personal laws as sacrosanct to hinder a civil code.
• Munshi also addressed Hindu opposition to the UCC, particularly regarding laws on inheritance and succession, which were seen as part of religion.
• He argued that without a UCC, gender equality could not be achieved.
• Highlighting discrimination against women in Hindu law, Munshi stated that a civil code was essential to elevate the position of women to equality with men, as enshrined in the Fundamental Rights.
• UCC and National Unity
  • Munshi linked the UCC to national integration, urging the Muslim members to abandon an “isolationist outlook.”
  • He emphasized that religion should be confined to its legitimate sphere, while the rest of life must be regulated to unify and strengthen the nation.
  • He argued that the UCC would not be tyrannical to minorities but instead foster a stronger, consolidated nation.

Ambedkar’s Support for UCC in Principle

• Ambedkar’s position
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, while advocating for Article 35 (now Article 44), refrained from discussing the merits or demerits of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
  • However, he defended its inclusion in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• India’s Existing Uniformity in Laws
  • Ambedkar countered the argument that a uniform code was unfeasible in a diverse and vast country like India.
  • He highlighted the existence of a uniform legal system in areas such as criminal law, which is uniformly enforced through the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
• Challenging the Notion of Uniformity in Muslim Personal Law
  • Ambedkar questioned the claim that Muslim personal law had always been uniform across India. He cited examples:
• North-West Frontier Province followed Hindu Law in matters of succession until 1935.
• Regions like United Provinces, Central Provinces, and Bombay periodically operated under Hindu law in specific matters.
• Limiting Religion’s Jurisdiction
  • Ambedkar argued against religion having “vast, expansive jurisdiction” that would prevent legislative reforms.
  • He stressed the need for liberty to reform India’s social system, which he described as rife with “inequities, inequalities, and discrimination.”
  • He opposed excluding personal laws from the jurisdiction of the State.
• Power to Legislate, Not Immediate Enforcement
  • Ambedkar reassured apprehensive members that granting the State the power to legislate on personal laws did not mean immediate or objectionable enforcement.
  • He emphasized that the government must respect and reconcile with the sentiments of different communities while exercising this power.

Outcome of the Debate on Article 35

• At the end of the debate, Article 35 was put to vote and passed. It was later renumbered as Article 44 of the Indian Constitution.
• Constitutional law experts noted that while Article 44 states, “the state shall endeavour”, other Directive Principles use stronger phrases like “shall in particular direct its policy” or “shall be obligation of the state”.
• This indicates that the state's duty to implement Article 44 is comparatively less emphasized than other Directive Principles.

Q.1. What did PM Modi highlight about UCC in the Lok Sabha?

PM Modi reiterated his support for a nationwide Uniform Civil Code (UCC), quoting Ambedkar’s advocacy for ending religion-based personal laws and KM Munshi’s view of UCC as essential for national unity and modernization.

Q.2. What was Ambedkar’s stance on UCC during the 1948 debate?

Ambedkar supported the inclusion of UCC in the Directive Principles but refrained from discussing its immediate implementation. He emphasized that personal laws should not be immune to legislative reforms and that UCC was necessary to address inequalities in the social system.

News: PM Modi recalls 1948 debate on Uniform Civil Code: What Ambedkar, KM Munshi said | Indian Express

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Article 31C of the Indian Constitution?
• Introduction of Article 31C
• The Journey of Article 31C
• The Ongoing Case in SC
• What are the Arguments in the SC?

Why in News?

While hearing a case to decide whether the government can acquire and redistribute private property, a 9-judge Bench of the SC decided to take up another issue of “radical constitutional consequence”: does Article 31C still exist?

What is Article 31C of the Indian Constitution?

• Article 31C protects laws enacted to ensure -
  • The “material resources of the community” are distributed to serve the common good (Article 39(b)) and
  • That wealth and the means of production are not “concentrated” to the “common detriment” (Article 39(c)).
• As per Article 31C, these particular directive principles (Articles 39(b) and 39(c)) cannot be challenged by invoking the right to equality (Article 14) or the rights under Article 19 (freedom of speech, right to assemble peacefully, etc).

Introduction of Article 31C

• Article 31C was introduced by the Constitution (25th) Amendment Act 1971.
  • The amendment specifically mentioned the “Bank Nationalisation Case”, in which the SC stopped the Centre from acquiring control of 14 commercial banks by enacting the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1969.
  • In this case, the court held that the ‘right to compensation’ was not appropriately ensured by the Banking Act.
• The 25th Amendment sought to surmount the difficulties placed in the way of giving effect to the Directive Principles of State Policy. One of the means employed to do so was the introduction of Article 31C.

The Journey of Article 31C

• The 25th amendment was challenged in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) in which 13 judges held by a narrow 7-6 majority that the Constitution has a “basic structure” that cannot be altered, even by a constitutional amendment.
• As a part of this verdict, the court struck down the last portion of Article 31C, which states that no law giving effect to DPSP shall be called in question in any court on the ground that it does not give effect to such policy.
  • This opened the door for the court to examine laws that had been enacted to further Articles 39(b) and 39(c).
• In 1976, Parliament enacted the Constitution (42nd) Amendment Act, which expanded the protection under Article 31C.
  • As a result, every single directive principle (Articles 36-51) was protected from challenges under Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution.
  • It was meant to give precedence to the directive principles over those fundamental rights which hinders socio-economic reforms for implementing the directive principles.
• In 1980, in the Minerva Mills v. UoI case, the SC struck down the above clause of the 42nd Amendment.
  • The five-judge Bench held that Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution was limited, and it could not be used to remove these limitations and grant itself “unlimited” and “absolute” powers of amendment.
• However, the ruling resulted in a conundrum - By striking down part of the 25th amendment, did the court strike down Article 31C as a whole.

The Ongoing Case in SC

• The court is hearing a challenge to Chapter VIII-A of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976 (MHADA).
  • This chapter, introduced by an amendment in 1986, allows the government to acquire “cessed” properties in Mumbai, citing the obligation under Article 39(b) of the Constitution.
• In 1991, the Bombay High Court upheld the amendment, citing the protection granted by Article 31C to laws enacted in furtherance of Article 39(b).
• This decision was appealed at the SC in 1992, where the question eventually became whether “material resources of the community” under Article 39(b) included private resources such as cessed properties.

What are the Arguments in the SC?

• When the hearing began, the 9-judge Bench seemed to agree with the Centre’s submission that the case should be restricted to interpreting Article 39(b).
• However, the very next day, the Bench stated that the question of whether Article 31C still lives following the Minerva Mills decision has to be decided to avoid “constitutional uncertainty”.
• Senior Advocate (appearing for the petitioners) argued that the original version of Article 31C was ‘substituted’ with the expanded version provided in the 42nd Amendment.
  • Therefore, when this new Article 31C was struck down in Minerva Mills, the older provision would not automatically be revived.
• On the other hand, the Solicitor General (appearing for the Centre) argued that the doctrine of revival must apply in this case, and the post-Kesavananda Bharati position on Article 31C must be restored.
  • To explain the doctrine and justify its application, he relied on Justice Kurian Joseph’s observations in the case where the court struck down the Constitution (99th) Amendment Act (NJAC).
  • Justice Joseph held that once the process of substitution and insertion by way of a constitutional amendment is itself held to be bad and impermissible, the pre-amended provisions automatically resurface and revive.

Q.1. What is the doctrine of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution?

The Basic Structure doctrine refers to the principle established by the Indian Judiciary (in the Kesavananda Bharti case) that certain core principles and features of the Constitution are inviolable and cannot be amended or altered by the Parliament.

Q.2. What is the 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution?

The 42nd Amendment Act 1976 attempted to reduce the power of the SC and HCs. It laid down the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens and brought about the most widespread changes to the Constitution in its history. Owing to its size, it is nicknamed the Mini-Constitution.

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are the Findings of the Study About Plastic Pollution?
• Effort to Regulate Plastic Use

Why in News?

According to a new study, India has secured the top spot as the biggest plastic polluter in the world.

What are the Findings of the Study About Plastic Pollution?

• Highlights:
  • The study assesses five sources of plastic pollution: uncollected waste, littering, collection systems, uncontrolled disposal, and rejects from sorting and reprocessing.
  • The findings reveal that global plastic waste emissions reached 52.1 million tonnes (Mt) in 2020.
  • Notably, 69% of global plastic waste emissions originate from 20 countries, including 4 low-income, 9 lower-middle-income, and 7 upper-middle-income nations.
  • Littering was the predominant source of emissions in the Global North, while uncollected waste was the major source in the Global South.
  • High-income countries, despite having higher plastic waste generation rates, are not in the top 90 polluters due to their comprehensive waste collection and controlled disposal systems.
• Case of India:
  • India has emerged as the world's top plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 Mt of plastic annually and amounting to roughly one-fifth of global plastic emissions.
  • Plastic emissions are greenhouse gases (GHGs) released throughout the life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal.
  • While India’s official plastic waste generation rate (which is about 0.12 kilograms per capita per day) is likely underestimated, waste collection figures are inflated.
  • This discrepancy may stem from the exclusion of data from rural areas, the open burning of uncollected waste, and waste recycled by the informal sector.
• Case of other countries:
  • After India, it’s Nigeria and Indonesia that hold the 2nd and 3rd position in the plastic emissions, with 3.5 Mt and 3.4 Mt, respectively.
  • China, which was identified as the top global polluter, has dropped to 4th position, mainly due to progress in waste management, including investments in incineration and controlled landfills over the past 15 years.
• Significance of the study:
  • These insights are crucial for the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to create a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution by 2024.
  • The findings offer a new baseline for countries to assess and address their plastic pollution, helping shape future action plans and improve waste management strategies.
• Concerns regarding study: This comprehensive study may still underestimate emissions from some high-income countries as it excluded plastic waste exports.

Effort to Regulate Plastic Use:

• India - The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021):
  • In 2022, India brought into effect the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021) that banned 19 categories of ‘single-use plastics’ - disposable goods that are made with plastic but are generally use-and-throw.
• Global:
  • Resolution to end plastic pollution: The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution to “end plastic pollution” in 2022.
    • An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was set up and tasked to develop a legally binding instrument - a global treaty - to govern plastic production and use across all nations.
  • Global Plastics Treaty: In 2022, 175 nations agreed to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution by 2024 to reduce GHG emissions from plastic production, use and disposal.
    • However, after multiple rounds of extensive discussions and negotiations, the world seems to be nowhere near an agreement on how to deal with the plastic waste menace.

Q.1. How the Indian state of Sikkim is working to end plastic pollution?

Sikkim, which in 1998 became the first Indian state to ban disposable plastic bags, is also among the first to target single-use plastic bottles.

Q.2. What is the theme of world earth day 2024 and its significance?

The theme for World Earth Day 2024 (April 22) is "Planet vs. Plastics," which highlights the pressing issue of plastic pollution and aims to raise awareness about the need to reduce plastic production and usage to protect the planet's health and ecosystems.

Source: India emerges as the world's largest plastic polluter: Study reveals 9.3 Million tonnes a year | DTE

The Ladla Bhai Yojana is a welfare scheme introduced by the Maharashtra government to provide financial assistance and skill development opportunities to male youth. Inspired by the success of the Ladli Behna Yojana (which focuses on girls), this scheme aims to support young men in their educational pursuits and prepare them for gainful employment.Modeled after the successful 'Ladki Bahini Yojana', this initiative represents a significant investment of Rs 5,500 crore.

Ladla Bhai Yojana 2024

The scheme was announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his visit to the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. It reflects the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment and promoting skill development among male students.

The Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, along with the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan Kaksh (Chief Minister's Welfare Cell), is responsible for implementing the scheme.

Ladla Bhai Yojana Benefits

Ladla Bhai Yojana aims to reduce unemployment, promote higher education, and foster self-reliance among the youth of Maharashtra. The scheme aims to provide the following benefits to the youth: 

1. Financial Support Based on Educational Qualifications:
   • 12th Grade Pass: Youth who have completed their 12th grade will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000.
   • Diploma Holders: Those pursuing a diploma will be eligible for a stipend of Rs 8,000 per month.
   • Graduates: Graduates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000.
2. One-Year Apprenticeship in Factories:
   • Under the scheme, eligible youth will undergo a one-year apprenticeship in factories.
   • This practical work experience will enhance their employability and help them secure jobs.
   • The government will pay stipends to youth during their apprenticeship, ensuring they become proficient in their chosen fields.

Ladla Bhai Yojana Eligibility Criteria

According to the resolution released by the implementing agencies, eligible candidates should be between the ages of 18 and 35 and residents of Maharashtra. The internships will last six months, and candidates will receive their monthly stipend through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Ladla Bhai Yojana Age Limit

Applicants applying for Ladla Bhai Yojana should be above 18 years of age. 

Ladla Bhai Yojana Eligibility Criteria for Youth

• Must have passed Class 12, hold an ITI or diploma, or have a graduate degree.
• Monthly stipends: Rs 6,000 for Class 12 pass, Rs 8,000 for ITI/diploma holders, and Rs 12,000 for graduates.

Ladla Bhai Yojana Eligibility Criteria for Employers

• Must operate in Maharashtra.
• Registered with the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation web portal as an employer.
• Established for at least three years.
• Registered with EPF, ESIC, GST, DPIT, and Udyog Aadhaar.
• Must have a certificate of incorporation. 

Ladla Bhai Yojana Documents Required

List of documents required to be eligible to apply for Ladla Bhai Yojana: 

• Domicile Certificate
• Educational Qualification Certificate
• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport Size Photo
• Caste Certificate
• Income Certificate
• Mobile Number 

Ladla Bhai Yojana Maharashtra Apply Online

To apply for the Ladla Bhai Yojana , follow the simple steps below to complete your online registration:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of MH Ladla Bhai Yojana.
2. Start the Application: Click on the “Apply Here” option on the home screen.

• Fill Out the Application Form: Enter required details such as your Name, Aadhaar Number, Age, Address, etc.

1. Upload Necessary Documents: Upload all required documents in the specified sections of the form.
2. Submit the Application: Click the Submit button at the bottom of the form.

• Complete the Registration: You will receive a Username & Password for login via your email ID.

By following these steps, you can successfully submit your application for the Ladla Bhai Yojana Online Registration 2024.

The Ladla Bhai Yojana represents a historic step towards empowering male youth, bridging the gap between education and employment. By providing financial support and practical training, the government aims to create a skilled workforce that contributes not only to Maharashtra’s industries but also to the nation as a whole. Let’s celebrate this initiative as it paves the way for a brighter future for our young men! 

Ladla Bhai Yojana FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for ladla bhai yojana?

Ans. Applicants above 18 years of age who have completed their Class 12th are eligible for Ladla Bhai Yojana. 

Q2. What is the Sabla program in UPSC?

Ans. The Sabla program is a government initiative aimed at improving the health, nutrition, and education of adolescent girls in India.

Q3. Which scheme is known as Sabla scheme?

Ans. The Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) is known as the Sabla scheme.

Q4. When was Kishori Shakti Yojana launched?

Ans. Kishori Shakti Yojana was launched in the year 2000

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)?
• What is Ayushman Bharat health insurance for senior citizens?

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has cleared the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their income.

What is Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)?

• About
  • Launched in September 2018, the scheme aimed to offer secondary and tertiary care services to the vulnerable population in the society.
  • It was launched as a second component of the ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme.
  • This scheme aimed to offer medical coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to poor and vulnerable families.
  • The scheme covers over nearly 40% of the population targeted towards poorest and the vulnerable.
• Eligibility
  • The scheme is targeted to cover 10.74 crore poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban worker’s families.
  • The beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
• Benefits
  • It provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, i.e., the hospital.
  • Under the scheme every eligible family will be given Rs 5 lakh Insurance coverage benefit per year.
  • It offers Health Benefit Packages which covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
• Role of National Health Authority (NHA)
  • NHA is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme – AB PMJAY.
  • It has been entrusted with the role of: 
    • designing strategy, building technological infrastructure and 
    • implementation of National Digital Health Mission to create a National Digital Health Eco-system.
    • To implement the scheme at the State level, State Health Agencies (SHAs) in the form of a society/trust have been set up by respective States.
• Performance

What is Ayushman Bharat health insurance for senior citizens?

• About the news
  • The Union Cabinet has expanded the AB PM-JAY to provide health coverage to people aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income level, public healthcare.
  • Currently, the scheme is income-based and provides Rs 5 lakh shared annual coverage to all members of eligible families, irrespective of their age.
    • In its current form, the scheme is estimated to comprise the bottom 40 per cent of the population economically.
• Extension of the scheme
  • The extension will now cover all citizens aged 70 years and above, offering Rs 5 lakh annual coverage per family. 
  • This expansion is expected to benefit an additional 6 crore elderly people from 4.5 crore families.
• Coverage under new plan
  • Senior citizens aged 70 and above, and belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY, will get an additional (shared) top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.
    • Shared top-up coverage - If there are two senior citizens (70 years+) in a family, then the Rs 5 lakh coverage will be shared between them.
  • Those benefiting from other public health insurance schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman CAPF can either continue with their current schemes or opt for AB PM-JAY. 
  • Additionally, senior citizens under private health insurance policies or the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme will also be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.
• Other features
  • This is a demand-based scheme; as the demand goes up, the coverage will also be increased.
  • Each beneficiary aged 70 and above will receive a new health card, ensuring streamlined access to healthcare benefits.
• Benefits
  • This expansion is expected to provide substantial relief to a demographic that often struggles with managing disease burdens without a reliable social security net.
  • This move is essential as India witnesses a shift towards nuclear family structures, where the financial burden on elderly individuals is more pronounced.
  • Although the Ayushman Bharat scheme aimed at universal health coverage, this will be the first age group to receive full coverage.

Q.1. What is the new expansion in Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for senior citizens? 

The Union Cabinet has expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to cover all citizens aged 70 and above, offering an additional Rs 5 lakh annual health coverage. This will benefit around 6 crore elderly people, enhancing their access to healthcare and reducing financial burdens.

Q.2. How will the extension impact senior citizens under other health schemes? 

Senior citizens aged 70 and above, currently under schemes like CGHS, ECHS, or private insurance, can either continue with their existing coverage or opt for the expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, providing them flexibility and additional healthcare benefits.

Source: Cabinet clears health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh for all aged 70 years and above |National Health Authority | The Hindu | Business Today

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• The Position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
• Powers of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the House

Why in News?

• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha, a position that lay vacant for 10 years because no party had numbers equalling a tenth of the strength of the House.
• The LoP is the parliamentary chairperson of the largest political party/ coalition in the Lok Sabha that is not in government.

The Position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:

• Statutory recognition:
  • It was officially described in the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act 1977.
  • The Act describes the Leader of Opposition as:
    • A member of the Council of States or the House of the People (as the case may be),
    • Who is the Leader in that House of the party (having the greatest numerical strength and recognised as such by the Chairman/ the Speaker) in opposition to the Government.
• Numerical strength: According to a conventional understanding, in order to get the post of Leader of Opposition a party must have at least 10% of MPs in the House.
• Debate over numerical strength:
  • According to the former Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary, the law is clear that the Speaker is required to recognise the leader of the numerically largest party in opposition as the leader of opposition.
  • There is no such rule, which requires a party to have at least 10% of the members of the House for recognising someone as the Leader of the Opposition.
  • Before the BJP in 2014 and 2019, the Congress (having 415 members in Lok Sabha) in 1984 denied TDP (with 30 MPs) the post of Leader of Opposition, on the basis of the above mysterious rule.
• Salary and sumptuary allowances: S/he shall be entitled to receive a salary and allowances as are specified in the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act 1954.

Powers of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the House:

• Order of precedence: The LoP in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha come at No. 7, along with
  • Union Cabinet Ministers,
  • The National Security Advisor,
  • The Principal Secretary to the PM,
  • The Vice-Chairperson of the NITI Aayog,
  • Former PMs, and Chief Ministers.
• Sitting position in the House:
  • The LoP sits in the front row to the left of the Chair, and enjoys certain privileges on ceremonial occasions like escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum (Chair of the Speaker).
  • The LoP is also entitled to a seat in the front row during the Address by the President to both Houses of Parliament.
• The main duty of the LoP:
  • It is to serve as the voice of the opposition in the House and is considered as a shadow Prime Minister with a shadow Cabinet.
  • This means, s/he is ready to take over the administration if the Government resigns or is defeated on the floor of the House.
  • Because the parliamentary system is based on "mutual forbearance" (acknowledging that we do not all have to agree on everything), the LoP is free to disagree while yet allowing the PM to rule.
  • His/her proactive role in facilitating smooth functioning of the business of the House is as important as that of the Government.
• Practical role and responsibility:
  • Most importantly, the LoP is the opposition’s representative in the high-powered committees headed by the PM for appointment to key posts such as
    • The Director of CBI,
    • The Central Vigilance Commissioner and Chief Information Commissioner,
    • The Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission, and
    • The Lokpal.
  • She/he will also be a member of crucial committees, including Public Accounts, Public Undertakings, Estimates and several Joint Parliamentary Committees.

Q.1. What is a shadow cabinet?

The shadow cabinet/ ministry is a feature of the Westminster system of government. It consists of a senior group of opposition spokespeople who, under the leadership of the Leader of the Opposition, form an alternative cabinet to that of the government.

Q.2. What role does opposition play in a parliamentary system?

The Opposition's main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. This also helps to fix the mistakes of the Ruling Party.

Source: Leader of Opposition role a huge opportunity IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Highlights of the WB’s Forecast on the Indian Economy
• Opportunities and Challenges for the Indian Economy

Why in News?

The World Bank (WB) revised its forecast for India's GDP growth to 7% for FY25 from 6.6% previously, citing increases in household real estate investments and investments in infrastructure.

Highlights of the WB’s Forecast on the Indian Economy:

• GDP growth: India was the fastest-growing major economy at 8.2% last fiscal and is expected to grow at 7% this fiscal year and 6.7% in FY26.
• Industrial growth: It is expected to slow to 7.3% in FY26 compared to 7.6% in FY25. Industrial growth has recovered to 9.5% in FY24 after Covid-19 related disruptions.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): GFCF is expected to slow to 7.8% in FY25 compared to 9.0% in FY24. The GFCF growth rate stood at 6.6% in FY23.
• Service sector growth: Amid a globally weakening IT investment climate, the service sector growth is also expected to slip to 7.4% in FY25 and to 7.1 per cent in FY26, compared to 7.6 per cent in FY24.
• Agricultural growth: It is expected to register a sharp jump to 4.1% in FY25, compared to 1.4% in FY24.
• Export-Import: The World Bank predicted 7.2% growth in the exports of goods and services during FY25 compared to FY24. The growth of imports is expected to be 4.1% in FY25 compared to 10.9% in FY24.

Opportunities and Challenges for the Indian Economy:

• Export sector:
  • India can expand its export portfolio by increasing its exports of electronics, green technology items, textiles, garments, and footwear in addition to its strengths in IT, business services, and pharmaceuticals.
  • However, India has been losing ground to rivals in the labour-intensive apparel and footwear sectors.
  • India’s share in global apparel exports fell from 4% in 2018 to 3% in 2022 due to increased production costs and decreasing productivity.
  • Meanwhile, countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Poland, Germany, and France have managed to increase their global export share in major job-creating sectors by up to 2% between 2015 to 2022.
• Trade barriers:
  • The global trade landscape has witnessed increased protectionism in recent years. The post-pandemic reconfiguration of global value chains has created opportunities for India.
  • India has boosted its competitiveness through the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and digital initiatives that are reducing trade costs.
  • However, tariff and non-tariff barriers have increased and could limit the potential for trade-focused investments.
• Current account deficit (CAD):
  • The CAD stood at 0.7% in FY24 compared to 2% in FY23.
  • Foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high of $670.1 billion (in August 2023), equivalent to 11 months' worth of spending, thanks to a falling CAD and robust inflows from foreign portfolio investments.
  • However, the WB predicted a steady widening of the CAD from 1.1% in FY25 to 1.2% in FY26 and 1.6% in FY27.
• Jobs in India:
  • While India is the fastest-growing major economy, urban youth unemployment remains high at 17%.
  • Jobs in India generated directly and indirectly connected to international trade have declined over the last decade.
  • The country has missed out on the export opportunity presented by China’s withdrawal from labour-intensive manufacturing sectors.
  • To create more trade-related jobs, India can integrate more deeply into global value chains, which will also create opportunities for innovation and productivity growth.

Q.1. What is the National Logistics Policy (NLP)?

India's NLP is a transformative initiative launched by the government (in 2022) to increase efficiency across the logistics and supply chain sector. It aims to decrease the overall logistics cost from an estimated 13-14% of the GDP to a competitive 8%, aligning India with global standards.

Q.2. Why is the growth of labour-intensive sectors important for India?

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there is “no alternative” for India to have growth led by labour-intensive manufacturing at least for the next 10 years to absorb seven-eight million youths who will join the labour force annually.

Source: World Bank pegs India’s growth at 7% in FY25 | IE | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• About Hydrogen
• Types of Hydrogen
• India’s Green Hydrogen Production goals w.r.t. other countries
• Present Capacity
• Challenges associated with Green Hydrogen
• News Summary
• About SIGHT Program

Why in the News?

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has exempted export-oriented green hydrogen projects from its solar module shortlist of domestic manufacturers.
• This aimed at enabling green hydrogen projects to lower costs to the level of grey hydrogen.

About Hydrogen

• Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element.
• It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly combustible.
• It is the 3rd most abundant element in the human body.
  • The two most abundant elements in human body are Oxygen and Carbon.
• Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all normal matter.
• Hydrogen can be produced from a range of resources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, biomass and renewable energy sources.

Types of Hydrogen

• Depending on production methods, hydrogen can be Grey, Blue or Green.
• Grey Hydrogen:
  • Grey hydrogen is created from natural gas, or methane, using Steam Methane Reformation (SMR) but without capturing the greenhouse gases made in the process.
  • In SMR, high-temperature steam (700°C–1,000°C) is used to produce hydrogen from a methane source, such as natural gas.
  • The CO2 produced in this process is released directly into the atmosphere.
  • Unfortunately this accounts from roughly 95% of the hydrogen produced in the world today.
• Blue Hydrogen:
  • Hydrogen is labelled blue whenever the carbon generated from steam reforming is captured and stored underground through industrial carbon capture and storage (CSS).
  • Blue hydrogen is, therefore, sometimes referred to as carbon neutral as the emissions are not dispersed in the atmosphere.
  • However, some argue that “low carbon” would be a more accurate description, as 10-20% of the generated carbon cannot be captured.
  • It has significant cost and emissions advantages.
• Green Hydrogen:
  • Green hydrogen is produced by using clean energy from surplus renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to split water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom through a process called electrolysis.
  • This makes green hydrogen the cleanest option – hydrogen from renewable energy sources without CO2 as a by-product.
  • It currently makes up about 0.1% of overall hydrogen production, but this is expected to rise as the cost of renewable energy continues to fall.

India’s Green Hydrogen Production goals w.r.t. other countries

• In August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the National Hydrogen Mission as a step towards environmental security and to make India a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen.
• India plans to manufacture 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
  • This would be half of the European Union’s 2030 target of 10 million tonnes.
• On the other hand, China announced a relatively shorter-term target to produce up to 2,00,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen by 2025.
• Spain, Germany and France have announced their commitment to install 4 GW, 5GW and 6.5 GW of green hydrogen respectively, by 2030.

Present Capacity

• There are 26 hydrogen projects in India, with a total capacity of 255,000 tonnes per year.
• However, a majority of these announced projects are still in their early stages.
• Only around 8,000 tonnes per year of capacity is expected to be operational by 2024.

Challenges associated with Green Hydrogen

• Technology:
  • Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • By running an electrical current through water, the membrane and electrolyte can separate the water into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Green hydrogen needs electrolysers to be built on a scale larger than we've yet seen.
• Transportation & Storage:
  • Either very high pressures or very high temperatures are required, both with their own technical difficulties.
• Electricity:
  • Creating green hydrogen needs a huge amount of electricity, which means an exponential increase in the amount of wind and solar power to meet global targets.

News Summary

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has granted exemptions to export-oriented green hydrogen projects from its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), which mandates the use of domestically produced solar modules.
• This exemption allows such projects to use cheaper imported modules, significantly reducing production costs and enhancing cost-competitiveness against grey hydrogen.
• This move aims to expand global demand for green hydrogen, where India has a focus on exports. India aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, with projects already announced for 7.5 MMT.
• MNRE has also allocated Rs 17,490 crore under its SIGHT program for electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen capacity, along with Rs 400 crore for R&D projects.
• Other incentives include the waiving of transmission charges and environmental clearance requirements for green hydrogen projects.

About SIGHT Program

• The SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) program is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting the production and adoption of green hydrogen in the country.
• Key Features Include:
  • Focus on Electrolyser Manufacturing: The program aims to boost domestic manufacturing of electrolysers, which are essential for producing green hydrogen through renewable energy sources.
  • Green Hydrogen Production: It also encourages the establishment of green hydrogen production facilities in India, with an emphasis on making the country a global leader in green hydrogen exports.
  • Financial Allocation: The Indian government has allocated Rs 17,490 crore under the SIGHT program. This financial support is intended to incentivize investments in electrolyser manufacturing, green hydrogen projects, and other related infrastructure.
  • Boosting Employment and Investment: By fostering a green hydrogen industry, the program is expected to create job opportunities and attract both domestic and international investments in clean energy technologies.
  • Incentives and Policy Support: The program includes incentives such as waiving transmission charges for green hydrogen projects and providing funds for research and development (R&D).

Q1. What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.

Q2. What is India's 2030 target for renewable energy?

India aims to increase renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030, meet 50% of energy requirements from renewables, reduce cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and reduce the emissions intensity of India's gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030.

Source: Exempted export-oriented green hydrogen projects from solar module shortlist to lower costs: MNRE Sec

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are the Fundamental Constitutional Questions Around Religion-Based Reservation?
• The Concept of Equality and Equity
• Reservation and the Constitution of India
• The Observations of SC on Muslim Reservation
• How Indian States Dealt with Muslim Quota Question?

Why in News?

In election season, India is debating fundamental constitutional questions around religion-based reservation.

What are the Fundamental Constitutional Questions Around Religion-Based Reservation?

• Can a secular country like India have religion-based reservation?
• Have Muslims ever been given reservation by reducing the quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), or Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?
• Does reservation for SCs that is limited to only certain religious denominations amount to reservation based on religion?

The Concept of Equality and Equity:

• The Constitution of India moved away from equality (equal treatment for all) to equity, which ensures fairness and may require differential treatment or special measures for some groups.
• On the other hand, substantive equality is concerned with equality of outcomes. Affirmative action promotes this idea of substantive equality.
• As a result,
  • The Mandal Commission (1980), following the example set by several states, included a number of Muslim castes in the list of OBCs.
  • The Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee (2006) found that the Muslim community as a whole was almost as backward as SCs and STs, and more backward than non-Muslim OBCs.
  • The Justice Ranganath Misra Committee (2007) suggested 15% reservation for minorities, including 10% for Muslims.

Reservation and the Constitution of India:

• Article 15 (1) specifically prohibits the state from discriminating against citizens on grounds only of both religion and caste (along with sex, race, and place of birth).
• The first constitutional amendment inserted Article 15(4), which empowered the state to make any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the SCs or STs.
• Article 16 (1) states that there shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.
• Article 16 (2) specifically prohibits the state from discriminating against citizens on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, residence or any of them, in respect of any employment or office under the State.
• Article 16(4) enables the state to make any provision for reservation in favour of any backward class of citizens which is not adequately represented in the services under the state.

The Observations of SC on Muslim Reservation:

• In M R Balaji (1962), the SC held that while castes among Hindus may be an important factor to take into account when assessing the social backwardness of certain groups or classes of citizens, it cannot be the only test in this regard.
  • Therefore, it is possible that in some states certain Muslims, Christians or Jains form socially backward groups.
• In the E P Royappa vs State Of Tamil Nadu (1973), the SC has held that equality is a dynamic concept and cannot be confined within traditional limits.
• After the SC’s judgement in State of Kerala vs N M Thomas (1975), reservation is considered not an exception to the equality, but as an extension of equality. The crucial word in Articles 15 and 16 is ‘only’ - which implies that -
  • If a religious, racial, or caste group constitutes a weaker section (under Article 46) or
  • Constitutes a backward class, it would be entitled to special provisions for its advancement.
  • For example, some Muslim castes were given reservation without reducing the quota for SCs, STs, and OBCs by creating a sub-quota within the OBCs.
• The SC in Indra Sawhney (1992) laid down that any social group, if found to be backward under the same criteria as others, will be entitled to be treated as a backward class.

How Indian States Dealt with Muslim Quota Question?

• Kerala: Muslims, who constituted 22% of the population, were included within the OBCs in 1952.
• Karnataka: In 1995, the State government implemented 4% Muslim reservation within the OBC quota. 36 Muslim castes which are part of the central list of OBCs were included in the quota.
• TN: The State government passed a law in 2007 that provided within the 30% OBC quota, a subcategory of Muslims with 3.5% reservation. This did not include upper-caste Muslims.
• Andhra Pradesh (undivided): In 2004, the State government provided 5% reservation, treating the entire community as backward.
  • The HC struck down the quota on the technical ground.
  • However, it held that reservations for Muslims or sections/ groups among them, in no manner militate against secularism, which is part of the basic structure of the constitution.
• Telangana: After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the Telangana government passed a law in 2017 proposing 12% reservation for OBC Muslims.
  • Since the proposal would take reservation beyond the 50% cap mandated by the SC (in 1992), it was referred to the central government for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule.
  • But the Centre did not bring the proposal to Parliament.

Q.1. Why was Mandal Commission set up?

The Mandal Commission or the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBC), was established in India in 1979 by the Janata Party government under PM Morarji Desai with a mandate to identify the socially or educationally backward classes of India.

Q.2. What do you mean by affirmative action?

Government measures designed to assist members of underprivileged groups that have historically experienced discrimination in education, employment, etc., are collectively referred to as affirmative action.

Source: Expert Explains: The Muslim quota question

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Background of the J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance?
• What are the Salient Provisions of the J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance?

Why in News?

• According to the J&K Director General of Police (DGP), investigating agencies should prosecute anyone discovered aiding militants in J&K under the Enemy Agents Ordinance 2005.
• The Enemy Agents Ordinance 2005 is more stringent than the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and has the punishment of either a life term or a death sentence.

What is the Background of the J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance?

• It was first issued in 1917 by the then Dogra Maharaja of J&K and is referred to as an ‘ordinance’ since laws made during the Dogra rule were called ordinances.
• After Partition in 1947, the ordinance was incorporated as a law in the erstwhile state and was also amended.
• The Enemy Agents Ordinance 2005 (1948) was promulgated under Section 5 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution Act 1996.
• In 2019, when Article 370 of the Constitution was repealed, J&K’s legal framework also underwent several changes.
  • The J&K Reorganisation Act listed out state laws that were to continue while several others were repealed and replaced with Indian laws.
  • For example, while the security laws such as Enemy Agents Ordinance and Public Safety Act remained, the Ranbir Penal Code was replaced with the Indian Penal Code.

What are the Salient Provisions of the J&K Enemy Agents Ordinance?

• Who is an “enemy” agent? Anyone who conspires with another person to carry out an act intended to aid the enemy.
• Punishment: Enemy agents shall be punished with death or rigorous imprisonment for life or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to fine.
• Trials under the ordinance:
  • Trials under the ordinance are conducted by a special judge who is appointed by the government in consultation with the High Court.
  • Under the ordinance, the accused cannot engage a lawyer to defend herself unless permitted by the court.
• Appeal against the verdict:
  • There is no provision for appeal against the verdict.
  • The decision of the special judge can only be reviewed by a person chosen (by the Govt) from the judges of the HC and the decision of that person shall be final.
• Bar on ordinance: The ordinance also bars (without the previous authorisation of the Government) any disclosure or publication of the case tried under it.

Has this ordinance resulted in any trials? There are several Kashmiris who are or have been tried and sentenced under the Enemy Agents Ordinance.

Q.1. What is the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)?

The UAPA is the "Anti-terror law" of India. The 2019 amendment of the UAPA has made it possible for the Union Government to designate individuals as terrorists without following any formal judicial process.

Q.2. What is the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019?

The J&K Reorganisation Act 2019 enacted by the Indian parliament reconstitutes the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Indian-administered union territories called Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Source: Those helping terrorists should be tried under Enemy Agents law: J&K DGP | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• What is Waqf?
• Regulation of Waqf in India
• Role of Waqf Board
• Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2024
• Key Changes Proposed in the Amendment Bill

Why in the News?

The Union government has referred the Waqf Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), after opposition from various political parties.

What is Waqf?

• In Islamic law, a "waqf" refers to a property dedicated to God for religious or charitable purposes.
• This can include both movable and immovable assets set aside to serve the public good.
• Establishing a waqf is seen as an act of piety that allows Muslims to continue their charitable contributions even after death.
• A waqf can be formally created through a deed or may be recognized as such if a property has been used for religious or charitable activities over a long period.
• The income generated from these properties is typically used for maintaining mosques, funding educational institutions, or supporting the poor.
• Notably, once a property is designated as waqf, it cannot be inherited, sold, or transferred.
• Non-Muslims can also establish a waqf, provided the purpose aligns with Islamic principles.

Regulation of Waqf in India

• In India, waqf properties are governed by the Waqf Act of 1995.
• The identification and documentation of these properties are carried out through a survey conducted by the State government.
• A survey commissioner, appointed under the Act, investigates the properties, gathers witness testimonies, and reviews public documents to identify waqf assets.
• Once identified, these properties are officially recorded in the State's gazette, and a detailed list is maintained by the State Waqf Board.
• The management of each waqf is overseen by a mutawalli, or custodian, who is responsible for its administration.
• While similar to trusts established under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882, waqfs differ in that they cannot be dissolved by a governing board.

Role of Waqf Board

• State Waqf Boards:
  • The Waqf Act of 1995 establishes Waqf Boards in each State to oversee the management of waqf properties within their jurisdiction.
  • These Boards are legal entities with the ability to sue or be sued in court.
  • Each State Waqf Board is led by a chairperson and includes representatives from the State government, Muslim legislators, recognized Islamic scholars, and mutawallis of waqfs.
  • The Act mandates the appointment of a full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for each Board.
  • The CEO must be a Muslim and hold at least the rank of Deputy Secretary in the State government.
• Powers & Responsibilities:
  • he Waqf Board is empowered to manage waqf properties and recover any assets that have been lost.
  • It can approve the transfer of immovable waqf property through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, but such actions require the approval of at least two-thirds of the Board members.
  • Amendments made to the Waqf Act in 2013 further strengthened the Board’s authority, making it nearly impossible to sell waqf properties, as neither the mutawalli nor the Board can sell waqf assets without stringent conditions.
• Central Waqf Council:
  • In addition to the State Waqf Boards, the legislation also establishes the Central Waqf Council, a national advisory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  • This Council, headed by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, ensures uniform administration of waqf properties across India.
  • It advises the Union government on various waqf-related issues, including policy development, implementation of waqf laws, and resolving inter-State disputes.
  • This structured framework aims to preserve the religious and charitable intent behind waqf properties, ensuring their proper management and protection under Indian law.
• Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2024
  • The Union government on August 8 introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the 1995 Waqf Act (1995 Act).
  • The proposed amendments seek to significantly reform the law by enhancing the Centre’s regulatory authority over waqf properties and, for the first time, permitting the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards.
  • The draft legislation is proposed to be renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2024.

Key Changes Proposed in the Amendment Bill

• Revised Definition of ‘Waqf’:
  • Only lawful property owners who have practiced Islam for at least five years can now create waqf properties through formal deeds.
  • The concept of ‘waqf by use,’ which allowed properties to be deemed waqf based on usage even if the original deed was disputed, has been abolished.
  • Government properties cannot be recognized as waqf.
  • Widows, divorced women, and orphans can benefit from waqf proceeds.
• Role of District Collectors:
  • District collectors (or equivalent officers) will now survey waqf properties, replacing survey commissioners.
  • A centralized registration system for waqf properties will be established, and all details must be uploaded within six months of the law’s enactment.
  • New waqf properties must be registered through this system.
  • The district collector will have the final say on whether a property is waqf, and a Waqf Board cannot control disputed land until the collector submits the final report.
• Inclusion of Non-Muslims:
  • Non-Muslims can now be included in key waqf institutions like the Central Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, and waqf tribunals.
  • The Central Waqf Council will include three Members of Parliament, who do not necessarily have to be Muslim.
  • State Waqf Boards must now include two non-Muslims and two women.
  • Waqf tribunals will now be reduced to a two-member body, consisting of a district judge and a State government officer, and must resolve disputes within six months.
• Financial Oversight:
  • The Centre can order audits of any waqf property by an auditor appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
  • Waqf Boards must audit their accounts annually, using auditors from a State government panel.
  • Penalties will be imposed on mutawallis (custodians) who fail to maintain proper accounts.
• Judicial Review:
  • Courts can now intervene in waqf disputes, allowing appeals to be made directly to the High Court, increasing judicial oversight over waqf decisions.

Q1. What is meant by Jizya Tax?

The Jizya, a tax imposed on non-Muslims in the Islamic world, acted as a source of revenue and a pact of protection for those living under Muslim rule

Q2. What is Right to Property in India?

Article 300-A (right to property act) was added to the Constitution in 1978. It states that “no person shall be deprived of his property except by authority of law”. It means that nobody can take away someone's property. However, it gives authority to the government to do it, if needed.

Source: Waqf Amendment Bill

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• History of Elections in India
• Roadmap for Simultaneous Polls

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local government bodies, as recommended by the High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. 

As per the govt, implementation will occur in two phases: first, aligning Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, and second, holding local body elections within 100 days of the first phase.

History of Elections in India

• Era of simultaneous elections
  • The first general elections of free India held simultaneously to the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of the States in 1951. 
  • The next three cycles of elections also witnessed concurrent Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections barring a few stray cases like: 
    • Kerala where a mid-term election was held in 1960 on the pre-mature dissolution of the Assembly, and 
    • in Nagaland and Pondicherry where the Assembly was created only after the 1962 general elections. 
  • The last occasion when we had near-simultaneous elections was in 1967.
• Beginning of the end of simultaneous elections
  • The fourth Lok Sabha constituted in 1967 was dissolved prematurely in 1971. This was the beginning of the end of simultaneous elections. 
  • Extension of the term of Lok Sabha during the National Emergency declared in 1975 and the dissolution of Assemblies of some States after the 1977 Lok Sabha election further disturbed the cycle of concurrent elections. 
• Current status
  • After the two pre-mature dissolutions of the Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999, only four State Assemblies have been going to polls along with the Lok Sabha elections in the last two decades.
  • We now have at least two rounds of Assembly general elections every year.

Roadmap for Simultaneous Polls

• Steps needed after the approval from the Union Cabinet
  • The One Nation, One Election project requires two Constitutional Amendment Bills to be passed by Parliament, needing broad agreement across various parties.
  • To build consensus, the government may refer the bills to a parliamentary committee, which includes opposition members. 
  • Additionally, to include local bodies in simultaneous elections, at least half of the states must ratify the Constitutional amendment. 
    • Although the BJP currently governs in over a dozen states, upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand could impact this distribution.
• Changes needed in the Constitution
  • The transition to a simultaneous election system requires two Constitutional Amendment Bills.
  • First Amendment Bill: This bill needs a 'special majority' in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which involves:
    • At least half of the total membership of both houses must vote in favor.
    • Two-thirds of members present and voting must approve the amendment.
  • Second Amendment Bill: This bill aims to align local body elections with the simultaneous elections. It must satisfy the same conditions as the first bill, plus:
    • Ratification by at least half of the state legislatures is required. 
    • This is because local government is under the State List, giving states the authority to pass laws related to it.
• What will happen if these Bills are passed by Parliament?
  • According to the Kovind Committee's roadmap:
  • Implementation
    • The President will issue a notification during the first Lok Sabha sitting after a general election, activating Article 82A from the first Constitution Amendment Bill, which marks the "appointed date."
    • Article 82A — a new article that will be introduced through the first Bill to facilitate the transition to simultaneous elections.
  • State Assemblies
    • Any state Assemblies elected after this "appointed date" will be dissolved when the Lok Sabha’s term ends. 
    • Some state Assemblies will dissolve before their five-year term ends to align with the Lok Sabha elections.
  • Mid-Term Elections
    • If a state Assembly or Lok Sabha is dissolved early, a mid-term election will occur. 
    • The newly elected body will serve only until the next scheduled simultaneous elections. This interim period is called the "unexpired term."
  • Election Commission Role
    • If the ECI determines that a state Assembly election cannot be held simultaneously, it can recommend a delay. 
    • However, future elections will still be conducted simultaneously.
  • Single Electoral Roll
    • The ECI will create a unified electoral roll for all elections, including Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats, in collaboration with State Election Commissions. 
    • This amendment also needs ratification by at least half of the states.

Q.1. What is One Nation One Election? 

One Nation One Election refers to a proposal to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, thereby reducing the frequency of electoral cycles in India

Q.2. What are the challenges in implementing simultaneous elections? 

Implementing simultaneous elections requires constitutional amendments, broad political consensus, and ratification by at least half the states, along with changes to election laws and logistics.

Source: As Cabinet gives nods to simultaneous elections, what next? | Indian Express

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Biotechnology?
• What are the benefits of BioE3 policy?

Why in News?

The Centre recently introduced the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, aimed at transforming industrial and manufacturing processes to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

While it appears to be a routine effort to boost the biotech sector, the policy focuses on using biotechnology to develop manufacturing methods that mimic natural biological processes. Experts describe it as a significant move toward the industrialization of biology, which could have a major impact on the economy.

What is Biotechnology?

• About
  • Biotechnology is a field of science that involves using living organisms, biological systems, or their components to develop products and technologies that improve various aspects of life.
  • It combines biology with technology to create solutions in areas like medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and industrial processes.
• Applications
  • Medical Biotechnology: Developing new drugs, vaccines, gene therapies, and diagnostic tools.
  • Agricultural Biotechnology: Creating genetically modified crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions, or have improved nutritional content.
  • Environmental Biotechnology: Using microorganisms to clean up pollutants in the environment, such as in bioremediation.
  • Industrial Biotechnology: Producing biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and other materials through biological processes instead of traditional chemical methods.
• Benefits
  • Emerging Possibilities in Biotechnology
    • Recent advancements in gene editing, protein synthesis, enzyme production using genetically modified organisms, and enhanced data processing with artificial intelligence have expanded the scope of biotechnology.
    • These breakthroughs have enabled the development of environment-friendly alternatives to traditional products and the replacement of chemical processes in industries with less polluting biological processes.
  • Sustainable Alternatives
    • Animal-Free Milk: Produced through precision fermentation, animal-free milk offers the same taste, texture, and nutritional benefits as natural milk, with a lower carbon footprint and increased supply.
    • Bioplastics: Biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid, made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, can replace traditional plastics, reducing environmental hazards.
  • Carbon Capture and Storage
    • Biotechnology offers innovative solutions for capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide.
    • Unlike traditional chemical-based carbon capture methods, biological processes using microorganisms can convert CO2 into useful compounds like biofuels, eliminating the need for storage.
  • Synthetic Biology and Organ Engineering
    • Synthetic biology enables the design of novel organisms and biochemicals with specific functions.
    • Organogenesis, or organ engineering, allows for the growth of organs in laboratories, potentially reducing the reliance on organ donors for transplants.
  • The Future of Biotechnology
    • While some biotechnological alternatives, like animal-free milk, are already available in certain markets, many technologies are still under development.
    • Challenges such as scalability, financial constraints, and regulatory hurdles remain, but the potential of biotechnology is vast and continues to unfold.

What are the benefits of BioE3 policy?

• Introduction to BioE3 Policy
  • The BioE3 policy is India's strategic initiative to prepare for a future where biotechnology plays a critical role in transforming the economy and industrial processes.
  • Although not expected to yield immediate economic benefits, the policy aims to build competencies, promote research, and train talent for long-term gains as these technologies mature.
• Economic Impact of Biomanufacturing
  • Biomanufacturing projected to have a significant economic impact, estimated to be worth $2-4 trillion over the next decade.
• Biomanufacturing involves using biological organisms or processes in industrial production.
  • This is just one aspect of the broader integration of biology into economic processes that the BioE3 policy seeks to advance.
• Strategic Alignment with Other Initiatives
  • The BioE3 policy is aligned with other recent government missions, such as the Artificial Intelligence Mission, Quantum Mission, and Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • These initiatives aim to position India at the forefront of emerging technologies that will soon become essential to the global economy and address critical challenges like climate change and energy security.
• Establishment of Biomanufacturing Hubs
  • The policy envisions the creation of several biomanufacturing hubs across India.
  • These hubs will serve as centers where industry partners and start-ups can produce specialized chemicals, smart proteins, enzymes, functional foods, and other bio-products. The focus will be on six key areas:
• Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes
• Functional Foods and Smart Proteins
• Precision Biotherapeutics
• Climate Resilient Agriculture
• Carbon Capture and Utilisation
• Futuristic Marine and Space Research
• Futuristic Marine and Space Research
  • The policy also emphasizes futuristic research, such as developing life support systems for astronauts that recycle waste and produce oxygen and food in space.
  • This involves growing special plants or microorganisms in space habitats.
  • Marine research under the policy could lead to the production of novel compounds and enzymes from marine organisms, with applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Q.1. What is the BioE3 policy?

The BioE3 policy is India's strategic initiative to use biotechnology for transforming industrial processes, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly, with a long-term goal of boosting the economy through biomanufacturing and related innovations.

Q.2. How will biomanufacturing impact India's economy?

Biomanufacturing is expected to have a significant economic impact, projected at $2-4 trillion over the next decade. It involves using biological processes in industrial production, contributing to the broader integration of biology into economic systems.

Source: How can biotechnology be harnessed for economic development?

What’s in today’s article?

• Introduction
• Historical Context
• Challenges in Conducting a Caste Census
• Proportional Representation: A Flawed Approach
• Implications of a Caste Census
• Conclusion

Introduction

• The debate around conducting a caste census in India has gained momentum, with proponents arguing for its utility in determining caste populations to allocate resources, reservations, and policy benefits proportionally.
• However, historical experiences and current complexities suggest significant challenges in executing such an exercise.

Historical Context

• The history of caste censuses dates back to the colonial era:
  • 1871-72 Census: The first detailed caste census was conducted, revealing arbitrary and inconsistent classifications across regions.

• 1931 Census: Identified 4,147 castes but highlighted inaccuracies as communities claimed different identities in different regions.
• Post-Independence: The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 recorded 46.7 lakh caste categories, with 8.2 crore acknowledged errors, exposing the complexity of caste classification.

Challenges in Conducting a Caste Census

• Caste Mobility and Misclassification:
  • Upward Mobility: Communities might report affiliation with higher castes for perceived social prestige.
  • Downward Mobility: Post-independence, some communities claim lower caste status to benefit from reservations.
  • Similar-Sounding Castes: Confusion arises from identical or similar surnames, leading to misclassification (e.g., 'Dhanak', 'Dhanuk', and 'Dhanka' in Rajasthan).
• Enumerator Bias:
  • Sensitive nature of caste questions often causes enumerators to make assumptions based on surnames rather than direct inquiries.
• Data Accuracy:
  • Historical records and current surveys, such as the Bihar Caste Census 2022, reveal inconsistencies, further undermining reliability.

Proportional Representation: A Flawed Approach

• The concept of proportional representation in caste-based reservations has been criticized as impractical:
  • Reservation Mechanism:
    • Reserved seats are distributed proportionally (e.g., every 4th position for OBCs at 27% reservation).
  • Impracticality:
    • India's population of 1.4 billion includes over 6,000 castes. The average caste size is 2.3 lakh.
    • Smaller castes, such as those with 10,000 members, would require over 1.4 lakh vacancies to secure one reserved seat, a scale unfeasible in recruitment processes like UPSC.

Implications of a Caste Census

• Policy Implementation:
  • While proponents argue for equitable resource distribution, the data complexities risk exacerbating social divisions.
• Exclusion of Minor Castes:
  • Smaller castes risk being excluded due to disproportionately low representation, undermining the objective of inclusivity.
• Administrative Burden:
  • A caste census would require massive logistical and financial resources, diverting focus from other pressing developmental priorities.

Conclusion

• While the idea of a caste census is rooted in achieving equity, historical and contemporary evidence highlights significant challenges in execution, data reliability, and fairness.
• Alternative approaches that prioritize socio-economic development and inclusivity without exacerbating caste divisions may offer more sustainable solutions.

Q1. When was the term ‘Creamy Layer’ defined?

The Supreme Court of India defined the "creamy layer", quoting an Indian government office memorandum dated 8 September 1993. The term was originally introduced in the context of reservation of jobs for certain groups in the Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India case in 1992.

Q2. What percentage of the population in India is OBC?

Between 2019 and 2021, Other Backward Class (OBC) constituted the largest part of Indian households accounting for about 42 percent.

News: Is the caste Census a useful exercise?

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• India – Malaysia Bilateral Relationship
• Challenges and Prospects in India-Malaysia Economic Ties

Why in the News?

• Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim is scheduled to visit India from August 19-21, marking his first visit as Malaysia's Prime Minister.

India – Malaysia Bilateral Relationship

• India established diplomatic relations with the Federation of Malaya (predecessor state of Malaysia) in 1957.
• The two countries enjoyed a strong relationship in the 1960s as a result of the personal friendship between Prime Ministers Nehru and Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.
• Presently, India and Malaysia have developed close political, economic and socio-cultural relations.
• Malaysia is home to over 2.95 million large Indian diaspora and the second largest PIO community in the world after the US.
• Economic & Commercial Relations:
  • Malaysia has emerged as 13th largest trading partner for India while India figures among the ten largest trading partners for Malaysia.
  • A bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) covering goods, services and investment has come into effect from 2011.

• Major Exports:
  • Mineral fuels, mineral oils, aluminum and articles thereof, meat and edible meat offal, iron and steel, copper and articles thereof, etc.
• Major Imports:
  • palm oil, mineral fuels, mineral oils, electrical machinery and equipment; animal or vegetable fats and oils, etc.
• Investments:
  • As per official figures (DPIIT), Malaysia ranks as the 26th largest investor in India with FDI inflow of US$ 1.16 billion during the period April 2000 to September 2022.
  • The largest presence of Malaysian construction companies outside Malaysia is in India.
  • Indian companies have invested in around 250 manufacturing projects of over US$ 2.62 billion.
  • Presently, there are more than 150 Indian companies, including 61 Indian joint ventures and 3 Indian Public Sector Undertakings operating in Malaysia.
  • Trade Settlement in Indian Rupees: Trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in Indian Rupee (INR) in addition to the current modes of settlement in other currencies.
• Defense and Security:
  • India-Malaysia defense relations have developed steadily since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defence Cooperation in 1993.
  • Both nations participate in each other's biennial defense exhibitions, LIMA and MILAN.
  • Additionally, India is involved in the Cooperative Mechanism on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), contributing to projects that enhance navigational safety and environmental protection.

Challenges and Prospects in India-Malaysia Economic Ties

• The business relationship between India and Malaysia faces challenges that could slow down economic growth, such as geopolitical tensions, global demand stagnation, and higher import tariffs.
• However, the strong trade ties between the two countries are expected to persist.
• Despite these challenges, India and Malaysia have formed a strong strategic partnership, with both countries being members of important global forums like the Commonwealth of Nations, NAM, G-15, and G-77, which support their cooperation.
• There are many opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations further.
• Efforts like avoiding double taxation, mutual customs assistance, improving air connectivity, and collaborations among airlines can boost trade and tourism.
• Additionally, factors such as a vibrant diaspora, steady GDP growth, a younger population compared to China, expected increases in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and rapid digitization are promising for future trade.
• The recent revival of the India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting after 12 years shows renewed commitment to cooperation.
• The upcoming amendment to the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MICECA), which will include new economic sectors, is aimed at reaching a trade volume of US$25 billion within the next three years.

By exploring new sectors, diversifying trade, and fostering beneficial collaborations, both countries can support India's goal of becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2027 and strengthen ties with ASEAN.

Q1. Where is Strait of Malacca located?

The Straits of Malacca is a narrow stretch of water in South East Asia that is 550 miles long and is located between the east coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the west coast of the Malay Peninsula.

Q2. When was ASEAN established?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Source: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to visit India next week | GOV.IN

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Section 19 of the PMLA?
• Questions raised over ED’s power to arrest under Section 19 of PMLA
• Analysis of the remarks made the apex court

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. A two-judge bench of SC referred some questions on the ED’s power to arrest under Section 19 of the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 to a larger bench.

What is Section 19 of the PMLA?

• About
  • Section 19 of the PMLA grants the ED Director the authority to arrest individuals.
  • According to Section 19(1):
    • if the Director "has on the basis of material in his possession, reason to believe (that reason for such belief to be recorded in writing) that any person has been guilty of an offence punishable under this Act, he may arrest such person and shall, as soon as may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest."
• Power of arrest under this section
  • Under Section 19 of the PMLA, an ED officer must have "reason to believe," based on the material in their possession, that the accused is guilty of the offence. This belief must be recorded and communicated to the accused at the time of arrest.
    • Essentially, the provision states that the arrest has to be on the basis of material in possession of evidence with the ED.
    • However, at times, the ED emphasizes the phrase "reason to believe" in Section 19.
    • It contends that the Director's belief, which is subjective and can evolve during the investigation, is sufficient for an arrest without necessarily delving into the materials.
• Stricter than ordinary criminal law
  • This standard under Section 19 of PMLA is stricter than ordinary criminal law, where police can arrest based on reasonable suspicion under Section 41 of the CrPC.
  • The PMLA also imposes a reverse burden of proof, requiring the accused to prove their innocence, unlike in ordinary law where the prosecution must prove guilt.
  • For bail under the PMLA, the court must find prima facie that the accused is not guilty.
    • In the Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary case, the SC upheld the stringent bail provisions.
    • The Court noted that the narrower power to arrest under the PMLA justified these stricter requirements.
• The legal validity
  • In the 2022 Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 19 of the PMLA.
  • While the court did not address the necessity of arrest or the standard of evidence required (proportionality aspects), it affirmed that the extensive power to arrest is not unconstitutional.
  • The SC endorsed a key argument by the ED that only high-ranking officials, after recording reasons in writing, can authorize an arrest.
  • The court noted that granting this power to high-ranking officials, combined with the requirement to provide reasons in writing, ensures reasonableness and minimizes the risk of arbitrariness.

Questions raised over ED’s power to arrest under Section 19 of PMLA

• Observations made by the SC
  • The Supreme Court has clarified the interpretation of "reasons to believe" under Section 19 of the PMLA.
  • The court held that the ED must meet a higher standard, requiring reasons that are almost equivalent to "evidence admissible in court" to establish guilt, rather than just a subjective finding by the ED.
  • The SC emphasized that the material in possession must lead the designated officer to form an opinion of guilt based on admissible evidence, not on inadmissible evidence.
  • The court highlighted that arrests must not be arbitrary and must be based on valid "reasons to believe" that adhere to legal parameters.
  • The Supreme Court emphasized that the clear language of Section 19(1) must be upheld to ensure stringent safeguards against pre-trial arrests during ongoing investigations.
  • The court distinguished between the power to arrest and the process of framing charges and conducting a trial.
  • It noted that an individual can face charges and undergo trial while on bail, underscoring that arrest should not be equated with the commencement of trial proceedings.
• Need to scrutinize the ED's use of its arrest powers
  • The Supreme Court did not rule on the legality of Kejriwal's arrest but found sufficient grounds to scrutinize the ED's use of its arrest powers.
  • The court stated that this issue needs "in-depth consideration" by a larger Bench.
    • Meanwhile, given that the Delhi CM Kejriwal had been incarcerated for over 90 days, the court ordered his release on bail until the larger Bench addresses the matter.

Analysis of the remarks made the apex court

• Necessity for clear guidelines to prevent potential misuse of authority
  • The ruling, while deferring the key question of when an arrest is legally necessitated to a larger Bench, raises significant concerns about how the ED exercises its extensive powers under the PMLA.
  • This decision highlights the need for a thorough examination of the ED's arrest procedures and underscores the necessity for clear guidelines to prevent potential misuse of authority.
• Raised the bar for arrest by the ED under the PMLA
  • Arrest, after all, cannot be made arbitrarily and on the whims and fancies of the authorities. It is to be made on the basis of the valid ‘reasons to believe’, meeting the parameters prescribed by the law.

Q.1. What is Enforcement Directorate (ED)?

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a specialized financial investigation agency in India under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It enforces laws related to economic crimes, such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), focusing on combating money laundering and foreign exchange violations.

Q.2. What is Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002?

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is an Indian law enacted to combat money laundering. It provides a legal framework for investigating and prosecuting money laundering offenses, seizing assets, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Source: Kejriwal gets interim bail in ED’s excise policy case: The questions on agency’s powers to arrest | Indian Express | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is India's AI Mission?
• 7 Key Features of India AI Mission
• Significance of India AI Mission
• Changes Introduced by the MeitY under its AI Mission

Why in News?

• Under its ambitious AI Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has relaxed some provisions in its norms to procure computing capacity for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, addressing concerns from smaller companies.

What is India’s AI Mission?

• The PM of India at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 (New Delhi) announced that India will launch an artificial intelligence (AI) mission.
• Under the India AI Mission [to be implemented by the ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC)], the MeitY will look -
  • To establish a computing capacity of more than 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs), which is an electronic circuit that processes images and accelerates the rendering of 3D computer graphics, and
  • To help develop foundational models trained on datasets covering major Indian languages for priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
• AI Curation Units (ACUs) will also be developed in 50-line ministries and AI marketplace will be designed to offer AI as a service and pre-trained models to those working on AI applications.
• The implementation of this AI compute infrastructure will be done through a public-private partnership model with 50% viability gap funding.
• Of the total outlay (of Rs 10,372 crore), Rs 4,564 crore has been earmarked for building computing infrastructure.

7 Key Features of India AI Mission:

• India AI Compute Capacity: This pillar will build a high-end scalable AI computing ecosystem to cater to the increasing demands from India’s rapidly expanding AI start-ups and research ecosystem.
• India AI Innovation Centre: The Centre will undertake the development and deployment of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models in critical sectors.
• India AI Datasets Platform: This will streamline access to quality non-personal datasets for AI Innovation.
• India AI Application Development Initiative: This will promote AI applications in critical sectors for the problem statements sourced from Central Ministries, State Departments, etc.
• India AI FutureSkills: It is conceptualised to mitigate barriers to entry into AI programmes and will increase AI courses in undergraduate, Masters level, and Ph.D. programmes.
• India AI Startup Financing: This pillar is conceptualised to support and accelerate deep-tech AI startups and provide them with streamlined access to funding to enable futuristic AI projects.
• Safe & Trusted AI: This pillar will enable the implementation of responsible AI projects including the development of indigenous tools and frameworks.

Significance of India AI Mission:

• The India AI Mission will further the vision of Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India.
• It seeks to showcase the international community the positive applications of the revolutionary technology for societal benefit, thereby elevating India's global competitiveness.
• It will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalysing AI innovation through strategic programmes and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
• It will drive forward creativity and enhance internal capabilities, safeguarding India's technological autonomy.
• Additionally, it will generate employment opportunities that require advanced skills, tapping into the country's demographic advantage.

Changes Introduced by the MeitY under its AI Mission:

• Key changes include:
  • Lowered annual turnover requirements:
    • For primary bidders, it has been reduced from Rs 100 crore to Rs 50 crore, and
    • For non-primary members, it has been halved to Rs 25 crore.
• This adjustment aims to include more start-ups in the bidding process.
  • Reduced computing capacity requirements: For instance, the requirement for FP16 performance has been cut from 300 TFLOPS to 150 TFLOPS, and AI compute memory has been reduced from 40 GB to 24 GB.
  • Experience criteria: Companies must now demonstrate prior experience in providing AI services, including the number of clients served and minimum billing of Rs 10 lakh over the past three financial years.
  • Local sourcing mandate: Bidders are required to source components for cloud services from Class I or Class II local suppliers, promoting the 'Make in India' initiative.
  • Data sovereignty: All AI services must be delivered from data centers within India, ensuring that user data remains within the country's borders.
  • Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model: The implementation will follow a PPP model, with 50% viability gap funding. A significant portion of the budget (Rs 4,564 crore) is allocated for building computing infrastructure.
• Significance of these changes: These changes are expected to facilitate greater participation from smaller firms, enhancing the AI landscape in India.

Q.1. What is data sovereignty?

Data sovereignty is the idea that data is subject to the laws of the country or region where it's generated or stored. It's important because it protects data from unauthorized access and breaches, and ensures businesses have access to their data in case of a disaster.

Q.2. Which law governs data sovereignty in India?

India's data sovereignty laws are governed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), which was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2023.

Source: To accommodate start-ups, MeitY relaxes AI compute procurement norms

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Aircraft Objects Bill Latest News
• Background
• Aligning with Global Aviation Norms
• The Need for Legal Reform
• Legal Certainty for Lessors and Airlines
• Industry Reception and Remaining Concerns
• Boost to India’s Aviation Ecosystem
• Conclusion
• Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill FAQs

Aircraft Objects Bill Latest News

• Recently, Parliament passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025.

Background

• Passed by Parliament in April 2025, Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill establishes a standardized legal mechanism to manage disputes between airlines and aircraft lessors. 
• It aligns India’s domestic aviation framework with global practices under the Cape Town Convention and Protocol. 
• Amid growing aircraft fleet expansions and recent airline bankruptcies, the Bill aims to create a more investor-friendly environment, particularly in light of past insolvency cases involving GoFirst and Kingfisher Airlines.

Aligning with Global Aviation Norms

• The Bill marks India’s full implementation of the Cape Town Convention and Protocol, a United Nations treaty adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2001. 
• India acceded to the treaty in 2008 but lacked a domestic enforcement mechanism. The new legislation addresses this gap by giving the treaty legal force in India.
• Key provisions include:
  • Empowering the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the Registry Authority.
  • Mandating record submission of airline dues.
  • Granting lessors the right to repossess aircraft within two months of default.
  • Overriding conflicting domestic laws such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

The Need for Legal Reform

• The need for this legislation became urgent after complications in past airline insolvency proceedings. Notably:
  • GoFirst’s 2023 insolvency left lessors unable to reclaim aircraft due to court-imposed moratoriums.
  • Similar issues arose during the closure of Kingfisher Airlines and in disputes with SpiceJet.
• India’s inconsistent application of the Cape Town Protocol led to its low compliance score (50) in the Aviation Working Group’s index. 
• The passage of this Bill has already helped raise the score to 62, with further improvement expected.

Legal Certainty for Lessors and Airlines

• By clearly defining remedies and dispute resolution timelines, the Bill brings a new level of predictability and transparency for aircraft leasing contracts. 
• According to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the Bill could reduce leasing costs by 8-10%, which may indirectly benefit passengers by lowering airfares.
• The legislation also aims to strengthen GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City)as a hub for domestic aircraft leasing by simplifying legal procedures and encouraging foreign lessors to operate in India.

Industry Reception and Remaining Concerns

• While the Bill has been welcomed as a progressive move, the international leasing industry remains cautious. Concerns include:
  • India's complex taxation system, which often imposes additional burdens on foreign lessors.
  • Lack of clarity regarding Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and their tax obligations under Indian law.
  • Scepticism about claims of lower airfares, as market dynamics, rather than lease rates, primarily determine ticket prices.
• Executives from major lessors noted that airline creditworthiness and growth prospects, particularly for carriers like IndiGo and Air India, will continue to be more influential in shaping leasing terms than legal reforms alone.

Boost to India’s Aviation Ecosystem

• Despite these reservations, the Bill is expected to foster increased confidence among investors and lessors. By mitigating risk and offering legal clarity, it may facilitate:
  • More competitive leasing terms for start-up airlines and regional operators.
  • Streamlined aircraft repossession processes, reducing litigation delays.
  • Improved compliance with global aviation norms, enhancing India’s standing in the international aviation community.

Conclusion

• The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, is a pivotal reform in India’s aviation sector. 
• It modernizes the legal landscape for aircraft leasing, offers safeguards to creditors, and seeks to restore global confidence in India’s aviation infrastructure. 
• While implementation challenges remain, particularly around taxation and regulatory consistency, the Bill signifies a bold step toward transforming India into a major aircraft leasing and aviation hub.

Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill FAQs

Q1. What is the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025?

Ans. It is legislation aimed at resolving disputes between airlines and lessors and aligning India’s aviation law with international standards.

Q2. What global treaty does this Bill implement in India?

Ans. It implements the Cape Town Convention and Protocol, adopted by ICAO.

Q3. Why was this legislation considered urgent?

Ans. It addresses past complications in aircraft repossession during airline insolvencies like GoFirst and Kingfisher.

Q4. What is the role of DGCA under this Bill?

Ans. The DGCA is designated as the Registry Authority to oversee aircraft registration, de-registration, and compliance.

Q5. Will the Bill reduce airfares in India?

Ans. While it may reduce leasing costs, experts say airfares are mainly driven by market demand and supply.

Source: TH

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is International Olympic Committee (IOC)?
• Process of selection of host country
• India makes formal bid to host 2036 Olympics

Why in News?

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted a 'Letter of Intent' to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressing India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics.

With other strong contenders like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey also in the race, a decision won’t be made until after the IOC elections next year. The competition among these countries will go through a rigorous selection process, led by the IOC's Future Host Commission.

What is International Olympic Committee (IOC)?

• About
  • The International Olympic Committee is the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement.
  • The vision of the International Olympic Committee is to Build a Better World through Sport.
• As an organisation
  • In 1892, Pierre de Coubertin of France declared his intention to spearhead a movement to revive the ancient Greek Olympics.
  • His efforts led to the establishment of IOC in June 1894 as a not-for-profit independent international organisation.
  • It is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Olympic Capital.
• Roles & Responsibilities
  • IOC is the authority responsible for organising the modern (Summer, Winter, and Youth) Olympic Games.
  • It is the governing body of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

Process of selection of host country

• Background
  • An Olympic host election is the result of a close collaborative partnership between the IOC and the potential host, together with its National Olympic Committee (NOC), to explore every aspect of the proposed Games vision and plan.
  • The host election process is overseen by two Future Host Commissions, one for Summer, and one for Winter Games. 
    • The Commission aims to explore, create and oversee interest in future Games of the Olympiad.
    • The commission considers factors such as the region’s infrastructure, sustainability plans, economic impact, and cultural relevance to ensure each host city aligns with the Olympic Movement’s strategic goals.
• Informal Dialogue
  • As per the selection policy, the IOC first gets into an informal dialogue with interested host countries.
  • This process gets started with the submission of a ‘Letter of Intent’.
• Targeted dialogue
  • If the world body is satisfied with the planning and capability of the candidate, then it enters a targeted dialogue when the IOC’s Executive Board invites the “preferred host” to refine and present their proposal.
• No fixed timeframe
  • There is no fixed timeframe for electing the hosts.
• What IOC looks at
  • The IOC looks at multiple factors: 
    • candidate city’s funding strategy, the ability to deliver the Games, transport infrastructure, accommodation capacity, 
    • alignment of venues with local development plans, socio-economic and geo-political factors, and public support.

India makes formal bid to host 2036 Olympics

• About the news
  • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally expressed India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games by submitting a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission. 
    • Los Angeles in the USA will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, and Brisbane, Australia, will host the 2032 Games.
  • This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of bringing the Games to India.
• Ahmedabad as Potential Host City
  • The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi was India’s last major international multi-sport event. 
  • Ahmedabad is currently a leading candidate to host the 2036 Games if India’s bid is successful. 
  • IOA President PT Usha and other sports officials promoted the bid during the 2024 Paris Olympics and maintain close ties with IOC officials, reinforcing India's readiness to host the Games.
• India’s Push for Inclusion of Regional Sports
  • India aims to include yoga, a significant element of its cultural heritage, in the Olympic sports program. 
  • The Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympics Cell has identified six sports — yoga, Twenty20 cricket, kabaddi, chess, squash, and kho kho — for potential inclusion. 
  • Under IOC rules, a host nation can propose sports popular in its region for inclusion in that edition of the Games.

Q.1. What is India’s proposal for the 2036 Olympics?

India, through the Indian Olympic Association, has submitted a formal bid to host the 2036 Olympics, supported by Prime Minister Modi’s vision. Ahmedabad is a proposed host city, with additional support from India’s sports officials who are lobbying with the IOC.

Q.2. Which sports does India want to include in the Olympics?

India is keen on adding regionally significant sports to the Olympics, such as yoga, cricket (Twenty20), kabaddi, chess, squash, and kho kho. Under IOC guidelines, host nations can propose popular local sports for consideration.

News: 2036 Olympics: India makes hosting bid with ‘Letter of Intent’ to International Olympic Committee | International Olympic Committee | India Today

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Right to be Forgotten?
• How is the 'Right to be Forgotten' Interpreted in India?
• When can the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ be Asserted?
• Questions to be Addressed by the SC in the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ Case

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case by online legal chronicler (Indian Kanoon), whose outcome will likely shape the contours of the “right to be forgotten”.
• The online portal challenged a Madras HC order, which after reversing a trial court judgment convicting a person of sexual assault charges, had directed the portal to remove the conviction judgment.

What is the Right to be Forgotten?

• It is the right to have publicly available personal information removed from the internet, search engines, databases, websites or any other public platforms.
• One can seek this right when their personal information is no longer necessary or relevant and the presence of his/her digital footprint violates their right to privacy.
• This right has been recognised as a statutory right in the EU (as “right to erasure”) under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and has been upheld by a number of courts in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

How is the 'Right to be Forgotten' Interpreted in India?

• Position in India:
  • In India, there is no statutory framework that prescribes the right to be forgotten.
  • However, the Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 and court rulings have expressly recognised this right.
• The Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill 2019:
  • The Bill gave an individual the right to restrict or prevent the continued disclosure of their personal data when such data -
    • Has served the purpose for which it was collected.
    • Was made with the individual's consent, which has since been withdrawn.
    • Was made contrary to the PDP Bill or any law in force.
• The court rulings:
  • The SC in the landmark KS Puttaswamy or Right to privacy judgement (2017) recognised that the right to control his/her own life would also encompass his/her right to control their existence on the internet.
  • Since the right to privacy verdict, high courts have taken a broader view of the issue. For example,
    • In 2019, the Delhi HC said the “right to be forgotten” and “right to be left alone” are inherent aspects of the right to privacy.
    • In 2021, the Delhi HC extended the right to be forgotten to even a criminal case by ruling to take down search results relating to an American law student (acquitted in a customs case).
    • In 2020, the Orissa HC held that the right to be forgotten is a thorny issue in terms of practicality and technological nuances and needs a widespread debate.

When can the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ be Asserted?

• The SC of India clarified in its right to privacy decision that -
  • An individual should be able to remove his/her personal data, if such data or information is no longer necessary, relevant or incorrect and serves no legitimate interest.
  • This right cannot be exercised where the information or data is
    • Necessary for exercising the right of freedom of expression,
    • In compliance with legal obligations,
    • In public interest, etc.
• The Delhi HC also noted that the right to privacy should be balanced with the right to information of the public and maintenance of transparency in judicial records.
• Therefore, the issue underscores the tension between the “right to be forgotten” of the acquitted person and citizens’ “right to be informed”.

Questions to be Addressed by the SC in the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ Case:

• The top court has to decide whether the right to be forgotten is a fundamental right and, if so, how it relates to other fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
• Two questions before the SC:
  • Can a person, upon reversal of his conviction in a criminal case by a higher court, demand erasure from the websites the earlier judgement that had convicted him/her?
  • Would a higher court that acquits an accused in a criminal case (by reversing the earlier judgement) be within its jurisdiction to order a web portal to expunge the earlier conviction judgement to honour the acquitted person’s right to be forgotten?

Q.1. How the Supreme Court of India significantly expanded citizens' fundamental rights?

The Supreme Court has by judicial interpretation expanded the scope of the fundamental rights, particularly in relation to Article 21, and this has included more civil and political rights which were not explicit in Part III of the Constitution.

Q.2. What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

GDPR is a European Union (EU) regulation on information privacy in the EU and the European Economic Area. It lists the rights of the data subject, meaning the rights of the individuals whose personal data is being processed.

Source: Can right to be forgotten beat right to info? SC to decide | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedoes (SMART)?

Why in News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested a long-range Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART). It is aimed at boosting the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

What is Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedoes (SMART)?

• Background: Torpedo
  • Torpedoes, self-propelled weapons that travel underwater to hit a target, are limited by their range. 
  • In the mid-2010s, DRDO undertook a project to build capacity to launch torpedoes assisted by missiles.
• About SMART
  • SMART system comprises a mechanism by which the torpedo is launched from a supersonic missile system with modifications.
  • These modifications would take the torpedo to a far longer range than its own.
  • For example, a torpedo with a range of a few kilometres can be sent a distance to the tune of 1000 km by the missile system from where the torpedo is launched.
• Institutions involved
  • A number of DRDO laboratories have developed the technologies required for SMART. These include: 
    • Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), both in Hyderabad; 
    • Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra; and 
    • Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL) Visakhapatnam.
• Features
  • The system can be launched from both coasts and warships.
  • The canister-based missile system comprises several advanced subsystems including two-stage solid propulsion and precision inertial navigation. 
    • Canister enables smooth and safe launch of article. Also, canister serves the purpose of transportation, storage and launching of missiles. 
    • These Canisters are filled with inert gases to provide protection from outside environment during Storage and transportation.
  • It carries an advanced lightweight torpedo missile as a payload along with a parachute-based release mechanism.
• Significance
  • This missile-based mechanism to launch lightweight torpedoes can target submarines hundreds of kilometres away — far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes. 
  • It will be particularly employed in the absence of other assets for immediate action when an enemy submarine is detected.

Q.1. What is Torpedo?

A torpedo is a self-propelled, cigar-shaped underwater missile that is launched from a submarine, surface vessel, or airplane to destroy ships by rupturing their hulls below the waterline.

Q.2. What is DRDO?

DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation, and it is India's largest research organization. It is an agency under the Ministry of Defence, and its headquarters are in New Delhi.

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development)?
• Recommendations by PARAKH

Why in News?

A recent report by PARAKH, a unit established within NCERT to standardize assessments across school boards, recommends that a student’s performance in Classes 9, 10, and 11—based on exams and continuous classwork—should contribute to their final marks at the end of Class 12. 

This recommendation aligns with the National Education Policy and aims to ensure common assessment standards, develop capacity, conduct achievement surveys, and establish equivalence among different school boards.

What is PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development)?

• About
  • National Assessment Centre- PARAKH was set up in NCERT as an independent body in 2023.
  • PARAKH team will consist of leading assessment experts with a deep understanding of the education system in India and internationally. 
  • PARAKH will eventually become the national single-window source for all assessment-related information and expertise, with a mandate to assist all forms of learning assessment, both nationally and globally.
• Objective
  • To fulfil the basic objectives of setting norms, standards, guidelines and implement activities related to student assessment along with other tasks as mandated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Four major areas of focus for PARAKH
  • Capacity Development in Competency-Based Assessment:Project Vidyasagar – 
    • PARAKH is organizing workshops across India to familiarize educators with the new pedagogical and policy changes in the National Curriculum Framework 2023. 
    • The goal is to bridge gaps in implementing competency-based learning and teaching.
  • Large-Scale Achievement Survey:
    • PARAKH conducted the State Educational Achievement Survey in November 2023, assessing students in Grades 3, 6, and 9 across 30 States/UTs. 
    • The survey aims to monitor and assess educational competencies in foundational literacy, numeracy, language, and mathematics.
  • Equivalence of School Boards:
    • PARAKH is working to standardize examination reforms across all Indian school boards. 
    • Regional workshops were held to collect data on administration, curriculum, assessments, and infrastructure. 
    • A report was prepared, and national workshops were conducted to discuss and draft policy recommendations for equivalence. T
    • The goal is to allocate credit points to academic, vocational, and experiential learning.
  • Holistic Progress Cards
    • The Holistic Progress Card, or HPC, will no longer depend on marks or grades to evaluate a student’s academic performance. Instead, it will rely on a 360-degree evaluation.
    • Under the HPC model, the students will be regularly assessed through class activities where they are not just passive learners but active agents. 
    • The activities will prompt students to apply diverse skills and competencies that will demonstrate whether they have been able to grasp concepts. 
• Significance:
  • Uniformity: PARAKH would be expected to address the issue of differences in scores among students associated with different boards, who are at a disadvantage during college admissions when compared to their CBSE peers.
  • Standardisation: It will establish and implement technical standards for test design, administration, analysis and reporting at all levels of schooling.
  • Skill development: It will encourage and help school boards to shift their assessment patterns towards meeting the skill requirements of the 21st century.

Recommendations by PARAKH

• Include performance from Classes 9, 10, and 11 in final assessment for class 12
  • Include performance from Classes 9, 10, and 11 in the final Class 12 report card, with a weight of 15% for Class 9, 20% for Class 10, 25% for Class 11, and 40% for Class 12.
• Evaluation using combined method
  • Evaluation should be a combination of: 
    • formative assessments (continuous classroom assessments through holistic progress cards, group discussions, projects) and 
    • summative assessments (term-end examinations).
  • In Class 9, 70% of the final score be drawn from formative assessments and 30% from summative assessments. 
  • In Class 10, the final score will be based 50% on formative assessments and 50% on summative assessments. 
  • For Class 11, it will be 40% formative and 60% summative assessments. 
  • In Class 12, the weight for formative assessments will drop to 30% with 70% of the final score based on summative assessments.
• Assessments be in terms of credits
  • PARAKH has also suggested that the assessments be in terms of credits: a student can earn 40 credits in Classes 9 and 10 each, and 44 credits in Classes 11 and 12 each. 
  • In Classes 9 and 10, 32 credits will be subject-specific (12 credits in three languages; four credits in mathematics; four for science, four for social science etc).
• Facilitate credit transfer in line with the National Credit Framework
  • Recommendations include that boards should develop a system of credit transfer in line with the National Credit Framework.

Q.1. What is National Credit Framework?

The National Credit Framework (NCrF) is an initiative by the Indian government designed to integrate and standardize education and skill development across the country. It aims to create a unified credit-based system that recognizes academic, vocational, and experiential learning, facilitating mobility and flexibility for learners across different educational and career pathways.

Q.2. What is New Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework introduced by the Indian government to transform the country's education system. It emphasizes holistic and multidisciplinary education, flexible curricula, skill development, and the integration of technology. The policy aims to improve access, equity, and quality in education from primary to higher levels.

Source: Factor in Class 9-11 performance for Class 12 report card: Govt proposal | Indian Express | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog?
• Performance of NITI
• NITI Aayog: Promoting Federalism
• Reconstitution of NITI Aayog

Why in News?

The Centre has reconstituted the NITI Aayog with 15 union ministers, including those from NDA allies and four full-time members, being a part of the government think-tank. The government reconstituted NITI Aayog after changes were made in the council of ministers.

What is National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog?

• About:
  • NITI Aayog, was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on 1 January 2015. It was constituted to replace the Planning Commission - instituted in 1950. 
  • It is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional and policy inputs.
  • NITI Aayog acts as a platform to bring the States to act together in national interest and thereby fosters cooperative federalism.
• Composition
  • Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India

Full time organisational framework:

• Vice Chairperson: Appointed by the PM, s/he enjoys the rank of a Cabinet Minister.
• Full-Time Members: Enjoys the rank of a Minister of State.
• Part-Time Members: Maximum 2.
• Ex-Officio Members: Maximum of 4 members of the Union Council of Minister to be nominated by the PM.
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed by the PM for a fixed tenure, s/he enjoys the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
  • Special Invitees: These will be experts with relevant domain knowledge to be nominated by the PM.
• Governing Council of NITI Aayog:
  • The council is the premier body tasked with evolving a shared vision of national priorities and strategies, with the active involvement of States.
  • It presents a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues to accelerate the implementation of the national development agenda.
• Composition of Governing Council:
  • It is chaired by the PM and comprises Chief Ministers of all the States and UTs with legislatures and Lt Governors of other Union Territories.
  • The council also comprises of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog; Full-Time Members, NITI Aayog; and Special Invitees.

Performance of NITI:

• As an action Tank: By collecting fresh and new ideas and sharing them with the government at the Central and State level, it ensures that there is no inactivity in any organisation or institution.
• Improving innovation: A commendable work has been done by the Atal Innovation Mission (established under NITI Aayog), which has helped in improving the innovation ecosystem in India.
• Bringing greater responsibility in the system: Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) has been established by the NITI Aayog, which collects performance data of various Ministries on a real-time basis.
  • These data are then used at the highest policy-making levels to improve performance and establish accountability.
• Some important initiatives of NITI Aayog: Some of the initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, water conservation measures, approach towards artificial intelligence, have been conceptualised in NITI Aayog and respective Ministries are taking them forward.
  • POSHAAN ABHIYAAN by NITI Aayog is cutting across the silos within the government and helping in reducing malnourished children in India.

NITI Aayog: Promoting Federalism

• Cooperative Federalism
  • NITI has provided a platform for direct issue-based interaction between States and Central Ministries thereby helping quick resolution of outstanding issues.
  • The NITI Forum for North East has been constituted and tangible sectoral proposals are being implemented by the States in partnership with the North East council.
  • NITI has designed some major initiatives for island development which are being implemented under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • It is also envisaged that like the NITI Forum for the North East, other regional councils of contiguous States could be formed.
    • The first step has been taken by forming the Himalayan States Regional Council and forming a coalition of all thirteen central universities in these states.
• Competitive Federalism
  • It promotes competitive federalism principally through pushing its sectoral indices which are put out in the public domain.
    • The indices on water, education, health, innovation, export preparedness, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have attracted significant positive attention.
  • It has also introduced a competition element in ‘Aspirational Districts Program’ by focusing on governance improvement on the ground.
    • These districts have shown significant improvement in indicators pertaining to health and nutrition, education etc.
  • Besides, several best practices in governance have emerged from these districts which are now being scaled up and replicated at the block level in some states.

Reconstitution of NITI Aayog

• About
  • The government reconstituted the NITI Aayog, expanding the number of special invitees from five to eleven.
  • This new group of special invitees includes five ministers from the BJP's allied parties.
• Key post holders
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the Chairperson and economist Suman K Bery will continue to be the Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
  • Scientist V K Saraswat, agricultural economist Ramesh Chand, paediatrician V K Paul and macro-economist Arvind Virmani will also continue to be full-time members of the government think-tank.
  • BVR Subrahmanyam will also remain the CEO.
  • The four ex-officio members will be:
    • Union Ministers Rajnath Singh (Defence), Amit Shah (Home), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture) and Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance).

Q.1. What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015 to address pressing global challenges. They aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future by 2030, encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Q.2. What is Cooperative Federalism?

Cooperative federalism is a governance model where national, state, and local governments collaborate to solve common problems and achieve shared goals. This approach fosters cooperation and coordination across different levels of government, enhancing policy implementation and promoting unity while respecting the autonomy of each governmental unit.

Source: Centre reconstitutes NITI Aayog, brings in allies as special invitees | PIB | The Hindu | India Today

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Census in India
• Need for caste Census
• Argument against caste census
• The case for OBC inclusion in Census
• Attempt at caste Census failed
• Way forward

Why in News?

Peter Drucker’s quote, “Only what gets measured gets managed,” highlights the necessity of collecting data on group identities to address discrimination effectively. This approach is essential for informed policymaking and inclusive development. 

For example, Germany’s census does not record racial data, disadvantaging Black communities. In response, Black people initiated the Afrozensus survey in 2020, revealing widespread, institutional anti-Black racism in Germany.

Census in India

• About
  • Population Census provides basic statistics on state of human resources, demography, culture and economic structure at local, regional and national level.
  • Beginning in the year 1872, when the first census was conducted non-synchronously, the census enumeration exercise in India is carried out in every 10 years.
    • The first synchronous census was taken under British rule in 1881, by W.C. Plowden, Census Commissioner of India.
  • The responsibility of conducting the decadal census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
•  Legal/Constitutional basis of Census in India
  • Population census is listed in Union List (entry 69) of Seventh Schedule in Indian Constitution.
  • Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
• Caste census
  • Caste was enumerated in British India Censuses (1881-1931). 
  • Post-Independence, the 1951 Census excluded caste enumeration except for SCs and STs, who continue to be counted. 
  • In 1961, the GOI recommended states conduct their own surveys for state-specific OBC lists, as there were no central reservations for OBCs at that time.
  • Though Census is a Union subject, the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 allows States and local bodies to gather necessary data, as seen in Karnataka (2015) and Bihar (2023).

Need for caste Census

• Social Imperative
  • Caste remains a key social structure in India, evidenced by low inter-caste marriages, prevalent caste surnames and marks, residential segregation, etc.
    • Only about 5% of Indian marriages were inter-caste as of 2011-12.
  • Choices of candidates for elections and ministers for Cabinets continue to be dictated by caste considerations.
• Legal Imperative
  • Constitutionally-mandated social justice policies, including reservations in various sectors, require detailed caste data. 
  • Although the Constitution mentions class instead of caste, the Supreme Court has ruled caste as a significant criterion for defining backward classes and supporting reservation policies.
• Administrative Imperative
  • Detailed caste data:
    • helps correct wrongful caste inclusions/exclusions, 
    • prevents dominant castes within reserved categories from monopolizing benefits, 
    • aids in sub-categorizing castes, and 
    • determines the creamy layer income/wealth criterion.
• Moral Imperative
  • Lack of caste data has allowed elites among upper castes and dominant OBCs to disproportionately control national assets, income, and power.

Argument against caste census

• Socially Divisive
  • Critics say it could deepen social divisions.
    • However, it should be noted that India has had deep social divides for nearly 3,000 years. 
    • Census counts of SCs and STs since 1951 haven't led to conflicts among these groups. 
    • Additionally, the Census already includes potentially divisive categories like religion, language, and region. 
    • Casteism will not wither away by not counting caste in the Census, any more than communalism, and regionalism will disappear by not enumerating religion, language and region.
• Administrative Nightmare
  • Many opponents claim that that it is an administrative nightmare. 
    • Despite concerns, caste enumeration is feasible. 
    • Unlike the fuzzy concept of race, caste identity is clear. 
    • The GOI has successfully enumerated 1,234 SC castes and 698 ST tribes. 
    • Counting the 4,000-odd other castes, mostly state-specific, should not be overly problematic.
  • Fueling Demands for Increased Reservations
    • Opponents say that it would fuel demands for increased reservations.
    • Rather than fueling demands, detailed caste data could help curb arbitrary reservation demands. 
    • It would allow for objective policymaking and informed debates on reservation claims from groups like Marathas, Patidars, and Jats. 
    • Governments often prefer vague data, allowing them to implement reservations arbitrarily for electoral gains.

The case for OBC inclusion in Census

• Reservations for OBCs in education and public employment
  • The Constitution permits reservations for OBCs in education and public employment (Articles 15(4) and 16(4)), similar to SCs and STs. 
  • Following the Mandal Commission, OBCs also have reservations in the Central government. 
  • The Supreme Court's Indra Sawhney case (1992) ruling requires periodic revision of the OBC list, which is based on the 1931 Census.
• No reservation in electoral constituencies for MPs and MLAs
  • While OBCs lack reservations in MP and MLA constituencies, the 73rd and 74th amendments (1993) mandate reservations in panchayats and municipalities for SCs, STs, and OBCs (Articles 243D(6) and 243T(6)).
  • Accurate caste-wise data of OBCs is needed for this, which the GOI should have collected in the 2001 Census but did not.
• Judiciary demands caste-wise data to uphold reservations
  • States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, and Jharkhand have faced judicial stays on OBC reservations in local elections due to the absence of caste-wise data. 
  • While the judiciary demands this data, the executive has avoided collecting it.

Attempt at caste Census failed

• In 2010, after significant lobbying, the Parliament unanimously resolved to include caste enumeration in the 2011 Census. 
  • The last caste enumeration in the 1931 Census identified 4,147 castes. 
• However, the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC)-2011, which was not conducted under the Census Act, 1948, failed due to poor design and execution, resulting in an implausible figure of 46 lakh castes. 
• The SECC-2011’s failure was because of the fact that it was not conducted under the Census Act, 1948 as the Act was not amended to include caste as a parameter. 
• It was conducted through the Union Ministries of Rural Development and Urban Development which did not have prior experience of conducting sociological/anthropological surveys. 
• Additionally, the questionnaire was poorly designed and asked open-ended questions about caste. 
  • The enumerators couldn’t distinguish between genuine castes, alternative caste names, larger caste groups, sub-castes, surnames, clan names, gotras, etc.

Way forward

• To address the failures of SECC-2011, the Census Act, 1948, should be amended to mandate caste enumeration, removing the discretion of the Union executive. 
• Caste data should be collected during the regular Census by the Census Commissioner, with relevant questions added to the questionnaire. 
• Sociological and anthropological experts should draft state-specific caste lists, publish them online for public input, and finalize them before providing them to enumerators. 
• The questionnaire should include questions about sub-caste, caste, larger caste group, and caste surname. 
• Using internet-enabled devices with preloaded details would simplify and ensure accurate data collection.

Q.1. What is the purpose of the socio economic and caste census in 2011?

The main objectives behind conducting SECC 2011 have been outlined as: (a) To enable ranking of households based on their socio economic status. (b) To make available authentic information on caste wise population enumeration. of various castes and sections of population.

Q.2. What is Population Census?

Population Census is a periodic national survey conducted in India to gather demographic, social, and economic data of all residents. It provides crucial information for policy-making, resource allocation, and planning across various sectors of the economy and society.

Source: The case for a caste Census | Census Division | Office of Registrar General and census Commissioner

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• 2004 UP Madarsa Act
• Background of the case
• Final verdict by the SC
• Key highlights of the judgement
• Impact of the Supreme Court Decision on the Madarsa Act

Why in News?

The Supreme Court, in a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, upheld the Constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004. This Act regulates madarsa education in Uttar Pradesh.

Previously, in March, the Allahabad High Court struck down the Act, citing a violation of secularism principles. However, the Supreme Court stayed this High Court ruling in April, allowing the Act to remain effective until the Supreme Court's final decision.

The recent verdict affirms the law’s legitimacy, emphasizing its compliance with Constitutional standards.

2004 UP Madarsa Act

• Background and Purpose of the Madarsa Act
  • The Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, establishes a legal framework for madarsa education in Uttar Pradesh.
  • This Act enables madarsas to teach both the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum and religious studies.
• Madarsa Board
  • It also set up the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, primarily comprising members from the Muslim community, to oversee and standardize madarsa education.
• Roles and Functions of the Madarsa Board
  • Under Section 9 of the Act, the Board’s responsibilities include designing course material and conducting exams.
  • It provides standardized examinations for courses ranging from ‘Maulvi’ (equivalent to Class 10) to ‘Fazil’ (equivalent to a Master's degree).

Background of the present case

• Legal Challenge to the Act
  • A lawyer filed a petition against the Madarsa Act, arguing that it violated several constitutional provisions:
    • Article 14: Right to equality before the law
    • Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on religious grounds
    • Article 21-A: Right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14
  • The petitioner claimed that the Act did not provide quality compulsory education up to Class 8 or universal access to quality education, as mandated by Article 21-A.
• Matter reaches Allhabad HC
  • Key Issues Raised Before the Allahabad High Court
    • Secularism and the Madarsa Act: Whether the provisions of the Madarsa Act align with secularism.
    • Religious Exclusivity in Board Membership: The Act’s requirement for Board members to belong to a specific religion was questioned, with arguments for allowing members from diverse backgrounds with expertise in education, regardless of religion.
    • Administration Under the Minority Welfare Department: Whether it was arbitrary to place the Board under the Minority Welfare Department instead of the Education Ministry.
    • Access to Educational Expertise and Policies: Whether it was unfair to deny madarsa students access to educational experts and their policies, which could enhance the quality of education provided in madarsas.
• Key highlights of the Judgement by Allahabad HC
  • Allahabad High Court declared Madarsa Act to be unconstitutional.
  • It directed the State to take steps forthwith for accommodating the Madarsa students in regular schools recognized under various education Boards.
• Matter reached to SC
  • In April 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court's judgment, noting that while the state has a valid interest in ensuring quality education for students, the High Court erred in striking down the Madarsa Act.
  • The Apex Court observed that the Act was primarily regulatory and did not warrant complete invalidation.

Final Verdict by the SC

• Arguments before SC
  • Religious Education vs. Religious Instruction
    • The Court explored whether madarsas impart “religious education” (learning about religions) or “religious instruction” (compulsory participation in worship).
    • Referring to Ms. Aruna Roy vs Union of India (2002), the Court highlighted that while religious instruction is restricted in state-recognized institutions under Article 28, religious education aimed at promoting communal harmony is permissible.
  • Validity of Striking Down the Entire Act
    • The Court questioned whether the High Court was justified in invalidating the entire Madarsa Act, rather than targeting specific provisions.
    • CJI noted that discarding the entire Act would be extreme, suggesting that the state could enforce rules under the Act to promote a more secular curriculum.
• Final verdict by SC
  • SC upheld the constitutional validity of the 'Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004'.
  • It set aside the Allahabad High Court's judgement which had struck it down earlier.

Key highlights of the judgement

• Regulation of Education Standards
  • The Madarsa Act provides a regulatory framework to ensure educational standards in madarsas recognized by the Board.
• Alignment with State Obligations
  • The Act aligns with the state’s obligation to enable students in recognized madarsas to acquire skills and competencies necessary for social participation and employment.
• Balance with Minority Rights
  • The Act must be interpreted alongside Article 21A and the Right to Education Act, respecting religious and linguistic minorities' rights to manage their educational institutions.
  • With state approval, the Board may implement regulations that ensure secular education standards without compromising the institutions' minority character.
• Legislative Competence and Limits
  • While the Madarsa Act falls within the State Legislature’s jurisdiction under Entry 25 of List 3, provisions regulating higher degrees (e.g., fazil and kamil) are unconstitutional as they conflict with the UGC Act, which is governed by Entry 66 of List 1.

Impact of the Supreme Court Decision on the Madarsa Act

• The Supreme Court's decision will directly impact madarsa education in Uttar Pradesh, with broader implications for religious education nationwide.
• This ruling could influence other religious institutions, such as gurukuls and convent schools, by shaping how secularism principles apply to religious education within state-regulated educational frameworks.

Q.1. What was the Supreme Court's decision on the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Education Act?

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, reversing the Allahabad High Court's ruling. The Act ensures regulatory standards for madarsa education while respecting minority rights and promoting secular education.

Q.2. How does the SC ruling affect religious education across India?

The Supreme Court's decision reinforces the regulatory framework for madarsa education, which may have broader implications for other religious institutions, including gurukuls and convent schools, by determining how secularism principles apply to religious education within state-regulated educational systems.

News: UP Madarsa Education Act upheld by SC: What was the case? | SCC online | Live Law

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Supporting India's Emerging Space Entrepreneurs
• What is IN-SPACe and its Proposal to Set-up a VC Fund for Start-ups?
• Financial Implications of Establishing a VC Fund for Start-ups
• Details/ Significance of the VC Fund for Start-ups

Why in News?

• The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,000-crore venture capital (VC) fund aimed at supporting about 40 space start-ups over the next five years.
• This fund, launched under the aegis of IN-SPACe, is expected to attract private investment and drive innovation in India's growing space sector.

Supporting India's Emerging Space Entrepreneurs:

• Key initiatives:
  • Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Development Program: The Indian government, through IN-SPACe, launched the PIE Development Program, for guiding startups from ideation to prototype development.
  • Financial and regulatory support:
    • The government has introduced tax incentives such as GST exemptions for satellite launches and income tax breaks for R&D.
    • Initiatives like the Startup India Seed Fund, DRDO’s Technology Development Fund, and Atal Innovation Mission are providing critical financial support to space startups.
  • World-class infrastructure: The GIFT City in Gujarat is emerging as a global hub for space technology, offering regulatory benefits and world-class infrastructure.
  • Collaborations: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched its space accelerator programme in India, in collaboration with ISRO and IN-SPACe, selecting 24 startups to receive mentorship and up to $100,000 in credits.
  • Incubation and mentorship: The Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) offers startups access to advanced labs, funding opportunities, and mentorship.
• Challenges faced by space startups:
  • Limited early-stage funding
  • Access to substantial government grants remains limited, and procurement processes are not always transparent.
  • Startups face difficulties in accessing testing facilities and standardised technology-sharing platforms.
  • The absence of affordable public liability insurance poses financial risks for startups.
  • Limited IP protection standards hinders innovations.
  • Export restrictions hinder the global expansion of Indian space startups.
• Future outlook:
  • Upcoming trends like space tourism, asteroid mining, and advancements in AI and ML are expected to revolutionise the space sector.
  • Startups are likely to play a significant role in future space exploration and commercialisation efforts, including major missions like Gaganyaan, NISAR, and Chandrayaan-4.
  • The introduction of a deep tech startup policy and continued strategic investments will be crucial for fostering growth.
  • It is essential for stakeholders to engage with startups and create a nurturing environment for technological advancements.

What is IN-SPACe and its Proposal to Set-up a VC Fund for Start-ups?

• As part of the 4th ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ stimulus, the Union Finance Minister announced the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) in 2020.
• IN-SPACe was set up as a single-window, independent, nodal agency to authorise, promote and supervise space activities of private non-governmental entities (NGEs).
• Since its establishment, IN-SPACe has signed 45 MoUs with NGEs to support them in space activities.
• IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs.1000 crore VC fund to support the growth of India's space economy, currently valued at S8.4 billion, with a target to reach $44 billion by 2033.
• With nearly 250 space startups emerging across the value chain, timely financial support is crucial to ensure their growth and prevent talent loss overseas.
• The fund aims to address the critical need for risk capital, as traditional lenders are hesitant to fund startups in this high-tech sector.

Financial Implications of Establishing a VC Fund for Start-ups:

• The deployment period of the proposed Rs.1,000 crore VC fund is planned to be up to five years from the actual date of start of the fund operations.
• The average deployment amount could be Rs.150 - 250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements.
• The indicative range of investment is proposed to be Rs.10 - 60 Crore, contingent upon the stage of the company, its growth trajectory, and its potential impact on national space capabilities.
• Indicative equity investment range could be:
  • Growth stage: Rs.10 Crore - 30 Crore
  • Late growth stage: Rs.30 Crore - 60 Crore
  • Based on the above investment range, the fund is expected to support approximately 40 startups.

Details/ Significance of the VC Fund for Start-ups:

• The proposed government-backed fund will boost investor confidence, attract private capital, and signal the government's commitment to advancing space reforms.
• It will serve as an Alternative investment Fund under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale for further private equity investments.
• The fund is strategically designed to advance India's space sector, aligning with national priorities and fostering innovation and economic growth through the following key initiatives:
  • Capital infusion
  • Retaining companies in India
  • Growing space economy
  • Accelerating space technology development
  • Boosting global competitiveness
  • Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem
  • Driving economic growth and job creation
  • Ensuring long-term sustainability
• By addressing these points, the fund aims to strategically position India as one of the leading space economies.

Q.1. What is India's deep tech startup policy?

India's National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) intends to boost India's GDP by increasing high-tech exports and competitiveness and improving living standards through deep technology.

Q.2. What is Chandrayaan 4 mission?

Chandrayaan-4 was announced with an aim to develop and demonstrate technologies that can successfully land on the moon surface and bring back moon samples to Earth for scientific analysis. The government allocated ₹2104.06 crore for the mission and set a timeline of 36 months for completion.

News: More jobs, investment: Space industry welcomes Rs 1K crore VC fund | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Growing need for an ex-ante framework
• What is Digital Competition Bill, 2024?
• What are the Key proposals of the draft digital competition Bill 2024?
• Criticism of the digital competition Bill 2024

Why in News?

In February 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) formed the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL) to explore the necessity of a separate law addressing competition in digital markets. 

After a year of discussions, the CDCL concluded that the existing Competition Act, 2002, which operates on an ex-post framework (addressing issues after they occur), needed to be supplemented with an ex-ante framework (preventive measures to address issues before they occur). Ex-ante competition regulation is unusual. The European Union is the only jurisdiction where a comprehensive ex-ante competition framework, under the Digital Markets Act, is currently in force.

This led to the creation of the draft Digital Competition Bill, which outlines the ex-ante framework designed to enhance the current regulatory system for digital markets.

Growing need for an ex-ante framework

• Due to the complex world of digital markets, regulating for market abuse after it takes place (as in an ex-post framework) is not optimal.
• This is due to following reasons:
  • Digital enterprises enjoy economies of scale and economies of scope.
    • I.e., reduction in cost of production per unit as the number of units increase and reduction in total costs of production with increase in number of services respectively. 
    • This propels them to grow rather quickly as compared to players in the traditional market. 
  • This growth is aided by network effects — utility of the digital services increases with the increase in the number of users.
• A forward-looking, preventive, and presumptive law (an ex-ante framework), which foresees the potential harms that can arise out of antitrust issues and prescribes pre-determined no-go areas is considered as the way forward.

What is Digital Competition Bill, 2024?

• About
  • The bill seeks to further regulate large digital enterprises, including news aggregators, as part of efforts to ensure a level-playing field and fair competition in the digital space.
    • It was proposed in March 2024.
  • The new law could prevent big tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon from favoring their own services or using data collected from one of their businesses to help another one of their businesses.
  • It has provisions to set presumptive norms to curb anti-competitive practices before they actually take place.
  • It promises to impose heavy penalties — which could amount to billions of dollars — for violations.
• Similarity with EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)
  • The new law is similar to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which went into complete effect earlier this year.
  • DMA requires large tech firms like Alphabet, Amazon and Apple to open their services, and not favour their own at the expense of rivals.
• Nodal ministry
  • The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is handling the draft.

What are the Key proposals of the draft digital competition Bill 2024?

• List of Core Digital Services (CDS)
  • The list of core digital services has been mentioned under Schedule I of the bill.
    • It consists of 
      • online search engines, 
      • online social networking services, 
      • video-sharing platform services, 
      • interpersonal communications services, 
      • operating systems, web browsers, cloud services, advertising services, and 
      • online intermediation services (includes web-hosting, service providers, payment sites, auction sites, app stores, e-commerce marketplaces and aggregators, etc.)
• Significant entities
  • The Bill proposes to designate certain enterprises as Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises (SSDEs).
    • SSDEs are those enterprises that provide core digital services in India and have a significant presence and significant financial strength in the country.
• Parameters to determine whether the enterprise may be designated as SSDE
  • If an enterprise is engaged in a CDS, the Bill proposes two tests – the financial strength test and spread test (user base test) to determine whether the enterprise may be designated as SSDE.
  • The quantitative parameters for a company to be designated a SSDE are:
    • If in the last 3 financial years, its turnover in India is not less than Rs 4,000 crore; or its global turnover is not less than $30 billion; or
    • Its gross merchandise value in India is not less than Rs 16,000 crore; or
    • Its global market capitalisation is not less than $75 billion; or
    • The core digital service provided by these companies should also have at least 1 crore end users, or 10,000 business users.
  • Entities that do not fall under these parameters can still be designated as SSDEs if the CCI believes that they have a significant presence in any given core digital service.
• Obligations imposed on SSDE
  • Entities which are designated as SSDEs, have been prohibited from engaging in practices such as self-preferencing, anti-steering, and restricting third party applications. 
  • If they violate these requirements, they can be fined up to 10% of their global turnover.
• Associate Digital Enterprises
  • The Bill proposes to designate associate digital enterprises (ADEs) to understand the role that data collected by one company of a major technology group can play in benefiting other group companies.
  • If an entity of a group is determined to be an associate entity, they would have the same obligations as SSDEs.
    • However, this will depend on the level of their involvement with the core digital service offered by the main company.
  • For example, Google Maps could be seen as an associate entity because Google Search directs users to it. 
  • The same goes for YouTube, depending on how much data is shared between Google Search and YouTube, affecting the video recommendations YouTube makes to users.

Criticism of the digital competition Bill 2024

• Significant compliance burden
  • An ex-ante framework with its strict prescriptive norms could lead to significant compliance burden for big tech companies.
  • It may lead to shift of focus from innovation and research to ensuring that companies do not presumptively engage in an anti-competitive practice.
• Stringent requirements of the EU’s DMA and associated impact
  • Experts have highlighted the fact that because of the stringent requirements of the EU’s DMA, there has been an increase of 4,000 per cent in the time it takes to find things via Google search.
• Broad definition of who a significant platform could be
  • Companies are concerned about the broad definition — both quantitative and qualitative — of who a significant platform could be.
  • Unlike EU’s DMA which specifically names the ‘gatekeeper’ entities, that decision in India’s draft law has been left to the discretion of the CCI.
    • Companies believe that could lead to arbitrary decision making, which could potentially also impact start-ups.
• May affect smaller businesses
  • Companies are claiming that the bill would force them to make the changes to their platform and cut down on data sharing.
  • It could also impact smaller businesses who rely on their platforms to reach a big target audience.

Q.1. What is Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises (SSDEs)?

SSDEs are those enterprises that provide core digital services in India and have a significant presence and significant financial strength in the country.

Q.2. What is EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)?

The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is legislation aimed at ensuring fair competition in the digital sector by regulating large online platforms, known as gatekeepers, to prevent anti-competitive practices and promote a more open and competitive digital market.

Source: What is the draft Digital Competition Bill? | Explained | News 18 | Business Standard

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• G20
• Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi
• G20 Summit in Rio begins

Why in News?

The G20 summit began at Rio de Janeiro’s Modern Art Museum, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Key leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and China’s Xi Jinping, are participating in discussions on trade, climate change, and international security.

PM also addressed the opening session of the G 20 Summit on ‘Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty’.

G20

• Overview
  • G-20, is a group of finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 individual countries and European Union. It was established in 1999.
  • It was elevated to a forum of Heads of State/Government in 2008 to effectively respond to the global financial crisis of 2008.
  • It is a forum, not a legislative body, its agreements and decisions have no legal impact, but they do influence countries' policies and global cooperation.
• Members
  • The G20 consists of 19 countries and the European Union (EU):
• Countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Special Invitees: Guest nations and organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, participate in G20 summits.
• Aims/Objectives
  • Economic Stability: Foster global economic growth and financial stability.
  • Sustainable Development: Promote policies addressing climate change and equitable development.
  • Crisis Management: Coordinate responses to financial and health crises (e.g., COVID-19).
  • Global Collaboration: Strengthen multilateral cooperation on trade, investment, and innovation.
  • Inclusivity: Represent voices of both advanced and emerging economies, including the Global South.
• Achievements (Examples)
  • Financial Crisis Mitigation (2008): Coordinated response to the global financial crisis, preventing deeper recession.
• Paris Agreement Support (2015): Played a key role in fostering international consensus on climate change goals.
• Debt Relief for Developing Nations (2020): Launched the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) during the pandemic to aid vulnerable countries.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: Facilitated vaccine distribution and economic recovery plans through global cooperation.
• In March 2020, G20 leaders pledged to inject $5 trillion into the global economy to reduce the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Digital Transformation (2023): India’s G20 presidency focused on fostering digital public infrastructure to bridge the global digital divide.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech at the G20 Summit

• Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Praised Brazil’s agenda for emphasizing SDGs and Global South concerns.
  • Recognized continuity from India’s G20 presidency theme: “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
• India’s Achievements in Poverty Alleviation and Food Security
  • Pulled 250 million people out of poverty in the last decade.
  • Distributes free foodgrains to 800 million citizens.
  • 550 million people benefit from the world’s largest health insurance scheme.
  • Advocates a ‘Back to Basics and March to Future’ approach for tackling food security.
• Global Contributions and Collaboration
  • Strengthened food security in Africa, providing humanitarian aid to Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • Welcomed Brazil’s proposal to establish a ‘Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.’
• Support for the Global South
  • Emphasized prioritizing Global South concerns, particularly food, fuel, and fertilizer crises caused by global conflicts.
• Women-Led Development and Nutrition
  • Highlighted India’s initiatives for women-led development.
  • Focused on nutrition as part of food security efforts.

G20 Summit in Rio begins

• About the news
  • The G20 summit commenced at Rio de Janeiro’s Modern Art Museum, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
• Contentious Ukraine War Discussions
  • Drafting a joint statement has been challenging, particularly over the Ukraine war.
  • European leaders sought stronger language following a recent Russian airstrike, while Biden announced the US would lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-made weapons for strikes inside Russia.
• Brazil’s G20 Agenda
  • Brazil’s agenda emphasized sustainable development, taxing the super-rich, combating poverty, and reforming global financial institutions.
  • However, potential resistance is anticipated with US President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, especially concerning taxation reforms.
• Climate and Energy Commitments
  • US President Biden pledged funds to the World Bank’s International Development Association and launched a clean energy partnership with Brazil.
  • Meanwhile, Xi Jinping promoted the Belt & Road initiative, despite Brazil’s refusal to join.
• Trade Tensions and Economic Policies
  • Trade talks were overshadowed by fears of an escalating US-China trade war, with Trump planning new tariffs.
  • Efforts to include a tax on the super-rich faced opposition, notably from Argentina.

Q.1. What was the focus of PM Modi’s speech at the G20 Rio Summit?

PM Modi emphasized sustainable development, food security, and prioritizing the Global South’s concerns. He also showcased India’s poverty alleviation and women-led initiatives.

Q.2. What are Brazil’s key G20 agenda points?

Brazil’s agenda highlights sustainable development, taxing the super-rich, combating poverty, and reforming global financial institutions, although these may face resistance.

News: Rio G20 taking forward people-centric decisions taken during India meet: PM Modi | MEA | Indian Express

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Collegium System
• Role & responsibilities of Collegium System
• Collegium system: a tug of war

Why in News?

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, asked the government to provide a detailed report on the status of judicial appointments that had been reiterated by the Collegium but not yet cleared by the government. 

The court emphasized that the Collegium is not a "search committee" and holds a critical role in the constitutional framework, implying that the government should not have absolute discretion in accepting or rejecting recommendations.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a fixed timeline for the government to notify judicial appointments recommended by the Collegium. Additionally, a contempt plea was brought by the Jharkhand government, alleging delays in clearing the transfer of Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao to the Jharkhand High Court.

Collegium System

• Background – Article 124 and 217 of Indian constitution and controversy over word “Consultation”
• Article 124(2) of Indian Constitution deals with the appointment of Judges of Supreme Court. As per this article:
  • Every judge of SC is to be appointed by the President.
  • President will consult such judges of the SC and of the HCs in the States as the President may deem necessary.
  •  CJI shall always be consulted in case of the appointment of judge other than the Chief Justice of SC.
• Article 217 of Indian Constitution covers the appointment and conditions of a High Court Judge.
  • It says that every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State.
• The constitutional provision gave the CJI and other judges the status of consultant and left the decision of appointment to the executives.
• This has been interpreted by the SC in a different way ultimately leading to the evolution of Collegium system.
• Evolution - The current collegium system has evolved over a period of time through the judicial pronouncements. These cases have been mentioned as below:
• First Judges Case (1982)
  • SC held that consultation does not mean concurrence.
  • Gave Primacy to Executive.
• Second Judges Case (1993)
  • Court reversed its earlier ruling by changing the meaning of consultation to concurrence.
  • Advice tendered by CJI is binding.
  • CJI would take into account the views of two of his senior most colleagues.
• Third Judges Case (1998)
  • Court gave primacy to the opinion of CJI in the matter of appointment of Judges
  • However, Chief Justice must consult four seniormost judges of SC.
  • Opinion of all members of the collegium should be in writing.
  • If the majority of the collegium is against the appointment of a particular person that person shall not be appointed.

Role & responsibilities of Collegium System

• Appointment of Judges
  • Supreme Court Judges: The Collegium for appointing SC judges consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
  • High Court Judges: For High Court appointments, the Collegium consists of the CJI and two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
    • The names recommended by the Collegium are sent to the government for approval. The government can either accept or return the recommendations for reconsideration.
    • As per convention, the government is obliged to accept the collegium's recommendation for appointment of judges if the decision has been reiterated.
• Transfer of Judges
  • The Collegium also plays a key role in the transfer of judges between different High Courts. 
  • This ensures the independence of the judiciary and prevents judges from developing local biases.
• Role in Maintaining Judicial Independence
  • The primary goal of the Collegium system is to ensure that judicial appointments remain independent of political or executive influence. 
  • By vesting the power of appointment within the judiciary itself, it seeks to maintain the independence and integrity of the courts.

Collegium system: a tug of war

• The judiciary and the executive keep clashing over the collegium system for appointment of judges in higher judiciary.
• The Centre terms this system to be opaque and non-transparent and retired and current chief justices and judges of the SC holds it as the best system. 
• The delays in appointments and transfers, particularly when recommendations are pending approval from the government, have caused friction between the judiciary and the executive.

Q.1. What is the Supreme Court's concern regarding judicial appointments?

The Supreme Court expressed concerns over the government's delays in clearing appointments recommended by the Collegium, stating that it undermines the constitutional framework. It asked for a detailed report on pending appointments within a week.

Q.2. Why is the Collegium system significant for judicial appointments?

The Collegium system ensures judicial independence by allowing judges to be appointed through recommendations from within the judiciary. It prevents political influence in the process, preserving the integrity of judicial appointments in India.

Source: Collegium not search panel, give report on status of pending names, SC tells Govt | The Hindu | Constitution of India

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What Concerns are Japanese Authorities Currently Facing?
• Why was Alert Issued if Earthquakes can't be Predicted?
• What is the Ring of Fire?

Why in News?

• A recent earthquake (of magnitude 7.1 on Richter scale) in southern Japan was promptly followed by a major warning from Japan's meteorological agency, stating that there was a heightened risk of a first-ever "mega earthquake".
• Earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 8 (on Richter scale) are classified as megaquakes.

What Concerns are Japanese Authorities Currently Facing?

• Japan is situated on the Ring of Fire:
  • Though Japan is no stranger to seismic activity (experiencing approx. 1,500 earthquakes annually), most of these tremors cause minimal damage.
  • However, there have been devastating exceptions, such as the magnitude 9.0 quake that struck in 2011, triggering a tsunami and nuclear disaster that claimed over 18,000 lives along the north-east coast.
• The Nankai Trough:
  • The Nankai Trough, situated off the southwest Pacific coast of Japan, is a significant geological feature that extends for roughly 900 km (600 miles).
  • This trough is formed by the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
  • The convergence of these two tectonic plates along the Nankai Trough results in the accumulation of immense tectonic strains over time.
  • These built-up strains have the potential to trigger a devastating megaquake approximately once every 100 to 150 years.
  • For example, a rupture spanning the entire 600km length of the Nankai Trough triggered Japan's 2nd-largest recorded earthquake (followed by the eruption of Mount Fuji) in 1707.
  • According to experts, there is a 70% to 80% probability of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring somewhere along the trough within the next three decades.

Why was Alert Issued if Earthquakes can't be Predicted?

• According to experts, the issuance of the warning has almost nothing to do with science.
• This is because earthquakes are known to be a "clustered phenomenon", and it is not possible to tell in advance whether a quake is a foreshock or an aftershock.
• However, the alert was sent out urging individuals to be ready for potential evacuation. For example,in several towns authorities are encouraging elderly residents and others to voluntarily relocate to safer areas.

What is the Ring of Fire?

• The Ring of Fire is a tectonic belt of volcanoes and earthquakes, which is about 40,000 km (25,000 mi) long] and up to about 500 km (310 mi) wide.
• It surrounds most of the Pacific Ocean, hence it is also called Circum-Pacific Belt.
• It contains between 750 and 915 active or dormant volcanoes, which is around two-thirds of the world total.
• About 90% of the world's earthquakes, including most of its largest, occur within the belt.

Q.1. What is the difference between the mercalli and richter scales of seismic activity?

The Mercalli and Richter scales are both used when measuring the impacts of seismic activity. However, while the Richter scale measures the magnitude/ force of the earthquake, the Mercalli scale measures the physical impact/ intensity of the earthquake within a given location.

Q.2. What is the difference between the epicenter and the focus of an earthquake?

The focus is the place inside Earth's crust where an earthquake originates. The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus is the epicenter.

Source: Japan’s ‘megaquake‘ warning | Explained | ToI | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• White Revolution 2.0
• Status of Dairy Cooperatives in India
• Milk scenario in India

Why in News?

Operation Flood, launched in 1970, ushered in the White Revolution and transformed the dairy sector in India. In order to give further boost to this sector, the government has announced plans for “White Revolution 2.0”. 

White Revolution 2.0

• About
  • White Revolution 2.0 aims to boost milk procurement by dairy cooperatives from 660 lakh kg per day in 2023-24 to 1,007 lakh kg by 2028-29. 
  • The Ministry of Cooperation's strategy focuses on expanding cooperative reach to new areas and increasing their share in the organized dairy sector. 
  • This initiative, building on the legacy of Operation Flood, will enhance market access for dairy farmers, generate employment, and empower women.
• Target
  • White Revolution 2.0 will increase milk procurement of dairy cooperatives by 50%, over the next five years.
  • It will do so by providing market access to dairy farmers in uncovered areas and increasing the share of dairy cooperatives in the organised sector.
• NDDB's Action Plan for White Revolution 2.0
  • To drive the White Revolution 2.0, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) plans to establish 56,000 new multipurpose dairy cooperative societies (DCSs) over the next five years and strengthen 46,000 existing ones. 
    • The strengthening will be done by providing more advanced milk procurement and testing infrastructure.
  • Key states for new DCSs include Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Funding
  • The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) 2.0 will provide the bulk of the funding for White Revolution 2.0. 
  • The scheme will offer financial aid to set up milk procurement systems, chilling facilities, and capacity-building programs at the village level. 
  • Additionally, Rs 40,000 will be provided to 1,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (MPACSs) to support the infrastructure of dairy cooperatives.
• Pilot project
  • In February 2023, NDDB launched a Rs 3.8 crore pilot project to set up dairy cooperatives in uncovered gram panchayats in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. 
  • The 79 DCSs established through this pilot now procure 15,000 liters of milk per day from around 2,500 farmers.

Status of Dairy Cooperatives in India

• Since its creation, in 2021, the Ministry of Cooperation has focused on expanding the network of cooperatives, in particular dairy cooperatives.
• Currently, dairy cooperatives cover around 70% of India's districts, with about 1.7 lakh cooperative societies operating in 2 lakh villages (30% of the total number of villages in the country). 
• These cooperative societies procure about 10% of the country’s milk production and 16% of the marketable surplus.
• However, regional disparities exist, with higher coverage in states like Gujarat, Kerala, and Sikkim, while regions such as West Bengal and the Northeast lag behind with less than 10% coverage. 
• The government aims to bridge these gaps to expand dairy cooperative networks across India.

Milk scenario in India

• World’s top milk producer
  • India is the world’s top milk producer, with production having reached 230.58 million tonnes during 2022-23. 
    • Total milk production increased from 187.75 million tonnes in 2018-19 to 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23.
    • However, the annual growth rate of production came down from 6.47% to 3.83% during this period.
  • About 63% of the total milk production comes to the market; the remaining is kept by producers for their own consumption. 
• About two-thirds of the marketable milk is in the unorganised sector. 
  • In the organised sector, cooperatives account for the major share.
• Average yield
  • The average yield is, only 8.55 kg per animal per day for exotic/ crossbred animals, and 3.44 kg/ animal/ day for indigenous/ nondescript animals. 
  • The yield in Punjab is 13.49 kg/ animal/ day (exotic/ crossbreed), but only 6.30 kg/ animal/ day in West Bengal.
• Per capita availability of milk 
  • The national per capita availability of milk is 459 grams/ day, which is higher than the global average of 323 g/ day.
  • This number, however, varies from 329 g in Maharashtra to 1,283 g in Punjab.
• The top five milk producing states
  • The top five milk producing states are UP (15.72%), Rajasthan (14.44%), Madhya Pradesh (8.73%), Gujarat (7.49%), and Andhra Pradesh (6.70%), which together contribute 53.08% of the country’s total milk production.
• Contribution of milk group in the agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sector
  • The milk group contributed almost 40% (Rs 11.16 lakh crore) of the value of output from the agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sector in 2022-23 — much higher than cereals. 
    • Milk group comprises milk consumed or sold in liquid form, ghee, butter, and lassi produced by producer households.
  • The dairy sector provides livelihoods to more than 8.5 crore people directly or indirectly, of whom the majority are women.

Q.1. What is Operation Flood?

Operation Flood, launched in 1970, was a dairy development program that revolutionized India's dairy industry. Spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), it transformed India into the world's largest milk producer by creating a nationwide milk grid, increasing milk production, and empowering dairy farmers through cooperatives.

Q.2. How does White Revolution 2.0 impact India's dairy sector?

The initiative targets improving milk procurement infrastructure, establishing 56,000 new cooperative societies, and creating employment. With funding from NPDD 2.0, it aims to increase milk production and address regional disparities in cooperative coverage.

Source: A new White Revolution: where India stands, where it aims to be

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Global Oil Market Latest News
• Background
• Saudi Arabia’s Strategy: From Supply Cuts to Market Share Defense
• OPEC+ Coordination and Global Impacts
• Impact on Global Oil Prices
• India’s Position
• Strategic Takeaways for India
• Conclusion
• Global Oil Market FAQs

Global Oil Market Latest News

• Last week, eight OPEC+ countries unveiled plans to advance their planned phase-out of voluntary oil output cuts by ramping up output by 411,000 barrels per day in May, equivalent to three monthly increments.

Background

• Global oil markets are once again under the scanner as Saudi Arabia signals a shift in its production strategy. 
• With plans to gradually unwind its voluntary output cuts, the kingdom is positioning itself to influence global prices in the backdrop of an increasingly volatile geopolitical and economic environment. 
• These strategic moves are closely linked with OPEC+’s larger objectives and could have far-reaching consequences on countries heavily reliant on oil imports, particularly India.

Saudi Arabia’s Strategy: From Supply Cuts to Market Share Defense

• In recent years, Saudi Arabia had taken the lead in voluntarily cutting oil production to stabilize plummeting prices during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. 
• However, with global demand rebounding and supply-side dynamics shifting, Riyadh is now looking to reverse some of those cuts.
• According to reports, Saudi Arabia is contemplating the gradual phasing out of its voluntary production cuts starting in Q3 2024. 
• This move is seen as a calculated step to regain market share that it had ceded to non-OPEC producers like the United States and Russia.

OPEC+ Coordination and Global Impacts

• Saudi Arabia’s decisions do not exist in isolation. 
• As a leading member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+), its production strategies are coordinated efforts aimed at avoiding a price crash. 
• However, the strategy also carries the risk of being countered by competitive responses from other oil producers.
• There is growing speculation that if oil prices rise too sharply, it could trigger a new wave of supply from the US shale sector and other producers, thereby nullifying Saudi Arabia’s attempts to maintain price discipline.

Impact on Global Oil Prices

• Oil prices have been relatively stable in the first half of 2025, with Brent crude hovering around $85 per barrel. However, any aggressive shift by Saudi Arabia could result in either of two outcomes:
  • A price surge, if OPEC+ restricts supplies beyond market expectations.
  • A price slide, if Saudi Arabia's return to full production leads to oversupply amid weak global demand.
• The balance between these scenarios will depend heavily on geopolitical stability, demand trends in China and the US, and how other major producers react.

India’s Position

• India, as the world’s third-largest importer of crude oil, remains highly sensitive to such shifts. 
• While rising prices strain India’s import bill and impact inflation, any price correction improves the macroeconomic outlook. 
• According to an Indian Express report, India has so far not protested the ongoing oil price spirals, suggesting that it might be capitalizing on diplomatic channels to ensure a steady supply at competitive rates.
• Furthermore, India's diversification efforts, such as increasing imports from Russia and investing in energy infrastructure, are partially insulating it from abrupt market shocks.

Strategic Takeaways for India

• Energy Diplomacy: India continues to maintain strong ties with major oil-producing nations including Saudi Arabia, ensuring leverage during tight supply scenarios.
• Diversification of Imports: India is importing more from non-traditional partners like Russia, Brazil, and West Africa to reduce dependency on OPEC nations.
• Strategic Reserves: Expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has been prioritized to cushion against future price volatility.
• Transition Push: Rising oil prices have further incentivized the government to accelerate its transition toward electric mobility and renewable energy.

Conclusion

• Saudi Arabia’s evolving oil policy signals a critical moment for global energy markets.
•  While its intention to unwind production cuts may bring short-term relief from high prices, it could also destabilize the market if not coordinated effectively with OPEC+ and other producers. 
• For countries like India, such developments reaffirm the importance of strategic preparedness, ranging from energy diplomacy to diversification and sustainability investments.

Global Oil Market FAQs

Q1. Why is Saudi Arabia unwinding its oil production cuts?

Ans. To regain market share and respond to rebounding global demand.

Q2. How does Saudi Arabia influence global oil prices?

Ans. As a leading OPEC+ member, it controls a large share of global oil supply, affecting prices directly.

Q3. What is the impact on India due to rising oil prices?

Ans. It increases the import bill and inflation but also encourages diversification and transition to renewables.

Q4. How is India mitigating the impact of global oil price fluctuations?

Ans. Through import diversification, strategic reserves, and diplomatic engagements.

Q5. What could be the risk of Saudi Arabia increasing production too fast?

Ans. It could lead to oversupply, causing a sudden drop in oil prices.

Source: IE | Oil Price

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Tiger Reserves of India
• About Ratapani
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Madhya Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve, marking a significant but long-delayed move in tiger conservation.
• With an estimated population of 90 tigers, Ratapani now becomes the state's eighth tiger reserve.

Tiger Reserves of India:

• About:
  • The tiger reserves in India were set up as a part of Project Tiger initiated in 1973 and are administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of Government of India.
  • As of December 2024, there are 57 protected areas that have been designated as tiger reserves.
  • There were 3,682 wild tigers in India (as of 2023), which is almost 75% of the world's wild tiger population.
• Tiger reserves consist of: A core area which includes part(s) of protected areas such as a national park or a wildlife sanctuary and a buffer zone which is a mix of forested and non-forested land.
• Goal: Project tiger is aimed at performing the necessary activities to ensure viability of the tiger population in the core area and to promote a balance between the existence of people and animals in the buffer zones.
• Declaration: State governments notify areas as tiger reserves based on the NTCA's recommendations.
• Maintenance:
  • As per the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the state governments are responsible for preparing a Tiger Conservation Plan.
  • Such a plan includes planning and management of notified areas and maintaining the requisite competent staff to ensure the protection of the tiger reserve.

About Ratapani:

• Location: Spanning Raisen and Sehore districts, Ratapani serves as a critical tiger habitat, with tigers migrating from nearby Satpura ranges.
• Biodiversity and challenges:
  • Habitat encroachment and insufficient prey bases led to tigers straying into populated areas, escalating conflicts.
  • The sanctuary has witnessed increased tiger-human interactions, emphasising the need for protection and management.
• Declaration as tiger reserve:
  • The notification comes amid a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by wildlife activist, who criticised the government’s delay despite receiving in-principle approval from the NTCA in 2008.
  • The PIL highlighted issues like increasing human-wildlife conflicts, degradation of tiger habitats, and encroachments due to delayed action.
  • The State Wildlife Board (SWB) approved projects like a coal-based power plant and railway lines, jeopardising the proposed reserve’s ecosystem.
• Challenges ahead:
  • Strengthening protection measures: Anti-poaching strategies and defined boundaries must be established.
  • Restoring ecosystems: Enhancing prey bases and curbing encroachments are essential to ensure a sustainable tiger population.
  • Community engagement: Collaboration with local communities is crucial to promote coexistence and minimise conflicts.

Conclusion:

• The Ratapani Tiger Reserve’s official notification marks a victory for conservation efforts but also highlights years of bureaucratic delays and ecological negligence.
• Moving forward, effective management and sustained efforts will be critical in preserving Madhya Pradesh’s rich wildlife heritage.

Q.1. What is Project Tiger?

Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation movement initiated in India to protect the endangered tiger. The project was initiated in 1973 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India.

Q.2. What is Tiger Census?

Every 4 years the National Tiger Conservation Authority conducts a tiger census across India to figure out the Royal Bengal Tiger population in India. The year 2022 was the 5th Tiger Census in India, and NTCA has estimated 3,682 Tigers in India.

News: Ratapani finally declared a tiger reserve after lying in wait since 2007

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Interpol?
• India and Interpol

Why in News?

Amid a political storm in Karnataka over grave allegations of sexual abuse against Prajwal Revanna, sitting Hassan MP, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice against the absconding politician.

What is Interpol?

• About 
  • Full Name - International Criminal Police Organisation.
    • Interpol is the radio-telegraph code for the organisation.
  • Interpol is an international police organisation made up of 194 member countries. 
  • It does not work under UN. 
    • It has enjoyed a special role – that of Permanent Observer at the United Nations - since 1996.
  • It was founded in 1923 and is headquartered at Lyon, France.
• Functions

• It is not a police force in the traditional sense—its agents are not able to arrest criminals.
• It is more of an information-sharing network.
  • It provides a way for national police forces to co-operate effectively and tackle international crime ranging from human trafficking and terrorism to money laundering and illegal art dealing.
• Sharing of information is done by issuing colour-coded notices in four languages - English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
• The organization operates centralised criminal databases that contain fingerprint records, DNA samples and stolen documents.
• Functioning
  • The agency has a National Central Bureau (NCB) in all member countries, which is a single point of contact between law enforcement agencies of that country and Interpol. 
  • NCB serves as the national platform for cooperation between domestic law enforcement units and the international police community.
• Types of Interpol Notices

• Interpol issues different types of notices which have different objectives. Types of notices issued – Red, Blue, Yellow, Black, Orange, Purple, Green etc.
• Red Notice - A notification that a member state would like someone arrested. 
• A ‘Blue Corner’ notice is issued when the case is related to missing persons. 
  • Also called an enquiry notice, such an alert is sent for additional information from member States about a person, to verify their identity, location, or criminal record concerning a criminal investigation.
• The ‘INTERPPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice’ is issued for entities and individuals who are the targets of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committees.
• States are not obliged to follow these notices, but will often treat them as a warrant for someone’s arrest and extradition.
• Differences between Blue Corner notice and Red Corner Notice
• The purpose of a ‘blue’ notice is to gather information about a person of interest in an investigation.
• On the other hand, the red notice is generally issued against a person wanted for extradition, or serve a sentence based on a court decision, or a similar lawful action.
• In the present case, the investigating team moved for a Blue Corner alert against Mr. Revanna, considering that the investigation is in the early stages and the police are yet to file criminal charges.

India and Interpol

• India has been a member since 1956. 
• Like any member nation, India maintains a National Central Bureau (NCB). The NCB is the designated contact point for the Interpol.
  • In India’s case, The CBI is the designated nodal body for the Interpol in India. 
• India has collaborated with the Interpol in tackling a myriad of organised crimes such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, spurious drugs and fake medicine rackets, etc.
• India hosted the Interpol General Assembly in 2022 as part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence.
  • Also, in November 2021, CBI Special Director Praveen Sinha was elected as a delegate for Asia on the executive committee of the Interpol.

Q.1. What is the National Central Bureau (NCB)?

The National Central Bureau (NCB) is a country's focal point for all International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) activities. Each member country of INTERPOL has an NCB that connects their national law enforcement with other countries and the General Secretariat through a secure global police communications network.

Q.2. What is radio telegraphy?

Radio telegraphy is a method of communication that uses radio waves to send coded signals, usually Morse code, in the form of pulses of different lengths called "dots" and "dashes". The radio carrier is modulated by changing its amplitude, frequency, or phase to match the code.

Source: Why did the CBI request an Interpol ‘Blue Corner’ notice against Prajwal Revanna? | Explained | Interpol | CBI | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Term of an MP
• Parliamentary oath

Why in News?

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will start today. Before the House can begin its legislative functioning, the newly elected members will have to take the oath of Members of Parliament (MP), which is provided in the Constitution.

Bhartruhari Mahtab, elected for the seventh consecutive time from Cuttack, Odisha, will be the first to take the oath as a Lok Sabha MP at Rashtrapati Bhavan in front of President Droupadi Murmu. The President has appointed him as the Speaker (pro tem) under Article 95(1) of the Constitution until the new Speaker is elected. Mahtab will preside over the House during the oath-taking ceremony of his colleagues.

Term of an MP

• The five-year term of a Lok Sabha MP begins when the Election Commission of India (ECI) declares the results as per Section 73 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• From that point, MPs are entitled to certain rights as elected representatives.
  • For instance, they start receiving their salary and allowances from the date of the ECI notification — after the 2024 general elections, the ECI declared the results on June 6.
• Additionally, the start of their term means that if MPs switch party allegiance, their political party can request the Speaker to disqualify them from Parliament under the anti-defection law.

Parliamentary oath

• About
  • The third schedule of the Constitution contains the parliamentary oath.
  • Through this, members swear or affirm to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India, uphold India's sovereignty and integrity, and faithfully discharge their duties.
• Importance of the Parliamentary Oath Despite the Start of an MP's Term
  • Winning the election and starting the term does not automatically allow an MP to participate in House proceedings.
  • An MP must take an oath or affirmation, as prescribed by the Constitution (Article 99), to debate and vote in the Lok Sabha.
  • The Constitution imposes a financial penalty of Rs 500 (Article 104) if a person participates or votes without taking the oath.
  • An exception exists for ministers who are not yet elected to Parliament; they can participate, but not vote, in House proceedings for up to six months while they secure a seat in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
• Evolution of oath over the years
  • The draft Constitution, prepared by the committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, initially did not invoke God in any oaths, emphasizing a solemn and sincere promise to uphold the Constitution.
  • During the Constituent Assembly discussions, members like K.T. Shah and Mahavir Tyagi proposed amendments to include God in the President's oath.
    • They argued that it would provide a divine sanction for believers while allowing non-believers to affirm solemnly.
  • Despite disagreements, Ambedkar accepted the amendments, recognizing the significance of invoking God for some individuals.
  • The last modification to the oath came with the Constitution (Sixteenth Amendment) Act, 1963.
    • This amendment added the commitment to uphold India's sovereignty and integrity, following recommendations from the National Integration Council.
• Process
  • Before taking the oath or affirmation, MPs must submit their election certificate to the Lok Sabha staff.
  • This requirement was introduced after a 1957 incident where a mentally unsound individual posed as an MP and took the oath.
  • MPs can then take their oath or affirmation in English or any of the 22 languages specified in the Constitution.
  • About half of the MPs take their oath in Hindi or English, with Sanskrit also becoming popular in recent years.
  • MPs must use the name on their election certificate and adhere to the text of the oath.
  • Deviations, such as adding suffixes or phrases, are not recorded, and MPs may be asked to retake the oath.
  • While oaths and affirmations are a personal choice, 87% of MPs swore in the name of God in the last Lok Sabha, with the remaining 13% affirming allegiance to the Constitution.
  • Some MPs alternate between swearing by God and affirming across different terms.
• Can MPs in jail take the oath?
  • The Constitution specifies that if an MP does not attend Parliament for 60 days, their seat can be declared vacant.
  • Courts have used this ground to allow MPs in jail to take an oath in Parliament.

Q.1 What is Third Schedule of Indian Constitution?

The Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the forms of oaths and affirmations for various constitutional positions, including the President, Ministers, Judges, and Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.

Q.2 What is Election Commission of India (ECI)?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India at both the national and state levels, ensuring free and fair elections.

Source: 18th Lok Sabha session begins today: How do MPs take oath? What happens if an MP is in jail?

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Boeing’s Starliner?
• What is the Mission?
• What Caused the Delay?
• Why is the Mission Significant?

Why in News?

The launch of the Boeing Starliner, which was set to take astronaut Sunita Williams to space for a third time, has been postponed due to a technical glitch.

What is Boeing’s Starliner?

• Starliner is a partially reusable crew capsule, officially known as CST-100 (crew space transportation).
• It consists of two modules.
  • One is the crew module, which can be reused up to 10 times, with a six-month turnaround.
  • The other is the service module - the powerhouse of the spacecraft - which supplies electricity, propulsion, thermal control, air, and water in space. This module is expandable.
• On its first crewed test flight, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft would be carrying two NASA astronauts and will be launched on an Atlas V rocket from the Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • The two NASA astronauts are Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams
• If the mission is successful, Boeing will become the second private firm to be able to provide NASA crew transport to and from the ISS, alongside Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

What is the Mission?

• The main objective of the mission is to see how Starliner performs in space with a crew onboard.
• It is supposed to dock with the ISS (a day after the launch) for around 10 days before it returns to the Earth.
• But before Starliner automatically docks with the space station, the crew members will test flying it manually.
• The crew will also test seats, assess onboard life-support and navigation systems, as well as evaluate the system that moves cargo into the ISS.
• The space suits worn by Wilmore and Williams will also be tested - these blue suits are around 40% lighter than their predecessors and have touchscreen-sensitive gloves.
• During the return journey, NASA and Boeing will be keeping an eye on the spacecraft’s heat shield and parachutes.
  • They will slow the descent before airbags open to soften the moment of impact with the ground.
  • Unlike other crew capsules, Starliner will land on the ground and not in the sea.

What Caused the Delay?

• After NASA retired its space shuttle fleet in 2011, it invited commercial space companies to help it transport astronauts and cargo to the ISS.
• Two companies got the contracts: SpaceX and Boeing. While SpaceX has been ferrying astronauts to and from the ISS since 2020, Boeing is yet to successfully launch its first crewed flight.
• Starliner’s first uncrewed flight itself came after four years of delay. Although it was set to take off in 2015, the company postponed it to 2019.
  • When it did finally happen, a series of software and hardware failures thwarted the spacecraft from getting into its planned orbit and docking with the ISS.
  • It took more than 80 fixes for Starliner to make its first successful uncrewed flight.
  • Even after achieving the goal, there were concerns about the performance of the spacecraft’s safety and cooling system.
• As a result, Boeing delayed the launch of Starliner’s first crewed flight from 2023 to where we are today.

Why is the Mission Significant?

• The mission’s success is crucial for both NASA and Boeing. Currently, NASA has only one private company, SpaceX, which can take its astronauts and cargo to the ISS.
• Starliner getting approval for conducting routine flights to and from the ISS would give NASA a backup and option to not depend on one company or vehicle for space launches.
• The success is more important for Boeing. If Starliner completes its objectives, it will also help Boeing challenge SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial space industry.

Q.1. What is the International Space Station (ISS)?

The ISS is a large space station assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit by a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors.

Q.2. What is the Bharatiya Antariksha Station?

It is a planned modular space station to be constructed by India and operated by ISRO. Originally planned to be completed by 2030, it was later postponed to 2035 due to delays caused by technical issues related with the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight mission and the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Source: Why is the launch of Boeing’s Starliner significant?

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Right to environment in India constitution
• Stubble burning
• Key highlights of the observation made by SC

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court raised concerns over the ongoing issue of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. The court condemned the selective enforcement of penalties, describing it as a violation of citizens' fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution to live in a pollution-free environment.

Right to environment in India constitution

• Right to life under Article 21
  • The Supreme Court in Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar, 1991 held that Article 21 includes the right to a wholesome environment.
  • This position was again reaffirmed in Virender Gaur v. State of Haryana,1994.
• Directive Principle of State Policy
  • Article 48A puts a duty on the State to protect and improve the environment and further to safeguard the forests and wildlife. 
  • In Sher Singh vs State of Hp 2014, the National Green Tribunal held that the State is under a constitutional obligation to protect and improve the environment.
  • In M.C. Mehta vs Union of India, 2002, the court held that Article 39(e), 47 and 48A collectively cast a duty on State to secure public health and environment protection.
• Fundamental Duties
  • Article 51A(g) puts a fundamental duty on the citizens to protect and preserve the environment.

Stubble Burning

• Why Farmers opt for Stubble Burning?
  • Rice and wheat straws left in the field, after combine harvesting, are generally burnt by the farmers to facilitate seed bed preparation and seeding.
  • Farmers find this method as quick and cheap compared to other practices for crop residue management.
  • Since input costs of farming is going up day by day, farmers are not willing to further invest in equipments useful for crop residue management.
• Happy Seeder (a tractor-operated machine for in-situ management of paddy stubble) continues to be an expensive method for majority of farmers.
• Areas where this practice is rampant
  • Burning of agricultural residue is done on a large-scale basis in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and National Capital Region of Delhi.
  • This is prevalent in other states too. This includes: Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal etc.
• Impact
  • Environmental Pollution
    • Agriculture fires are a major contributor to air pollution in north India in October-November.
    • Pollutants from these fires spread across the region, triggering smog and extreme air quality situations.
    • An increase in the concentration of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 in the atmosphere is observed in these months.
  • Harmful to the health of soil
    • Burning of crop residues removes huge amount of nutrient from the soil.
    • Practices like residue burning has further reduced the organic carbon content in soil.

Steps Taken by the government to tackle the issue of farm fires

• Taken by Centre
  • A Central Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi’ was approved.
  • Farmers are being provided 50 percent of the cost of machinery/equipment as financial assistance for the purchase of such machinery.
  • The central government has released Rs 3,062 crore to the governments of Punjab, Delhi and states in NCR during the five-year period from 2018 to 2023 towards effective management of stubble.
  • Profit from the left-over biomass is shared with farmers.
• Pusa Decomposer by Indian Agricultural research Institute (IARI)
  • The Pusa decomposer is a bio-enzyme developed by the Indian Agricultural research Institute (IARI) to decompose crop residue.
  • It decomposes stubble within 20-25 days after spraying and turn it into manure, improving the soil quality.
• Taken by State Governments and Other agencies
  • States governments and other agencies are sensitising farmers on healthier practices.
  • The Punjab government had proposed to provide cash incentives to farmers for not burning stubble.
  • It also decided to provide non-fiscal incentives to these industries in terms of availability of Panchayat land for storage of paddy straw with lease agreement upto 33 years.

Key highlights of the observation made by SC

• Fundamental Right to a Pollution-Free Environment
  • The Supreme Court emphasized that every citizen has a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution to live in a pollution-free environment.
  • It stressed that violations of this right go beyond mere implementation of laws, highlighting the blatant infringement of fundamental rights.
• Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act Rendered "Toothless"
  • The court criticized the ineffectiveness of the amended Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act-1986, which replaced criminal penalties with financial penalties for environmental violations.
  • This provision has become "toothless" due to the Centre's failure to establish necessary support systems, such as framing rules and appointing adjudicating officers, even after six months of the amendment's enactment.
• Inadequate Enforcement Mechanism
  • The absence of appointed adjudicating officers prevents law enforcement from imposing penalties under the amended Section 15, leaving environmental violations unpunished.

Q.1. Why did the Supreme Court criticize Punjab and Haryana over stubble burning?

The court noted selective penalties, where only a few violators faced consequences, despite widespread stubble burning. This inconsistent enforcement infringes on citizens' right to a pollution-free environment, a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Q.2. What are the consequences of stubble burning in northern India?

Stubble burning contributes significantly to air pollution in northern India during October and November. It increases particulate matter, impacting air quality and health, and depletes soil nutrients, necessitating stricter enforcement of environmental laws.

Source: Supreme Court pulls up Centre: Every citizen has right to environment free of pollution | iPleaders | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Life and health insurance market in India
• GST on health and life insurance premiums
• Rationale behind imposing the GST on health and life insurance premiums
• Need for withdrawing the GST on the premium

Why in News?

Insurance premiums for health and life policies have increased this year, and with an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) added, many people in India are finding insurance less affordable.

Opposition leaders protested at Parliament, demanding the removal of GST on these premiums. Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote to Finance Minister, arguing that GST on insurance premiums taxes life's uncertainties and hampers industry growth.

Life and health insurance market in India

• In fiscal 2023-24, the general insurance industry collected Rs 1,09,000 crore in health premiums, while life insurance companies collected Rs 3,77,960 crore, with LIC alone contributing Rs 2,22,522 crore.
• Five states—Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi—accounted for 64% of the total health insurance premium in 2022-23, with the rest of the states contributing 36%.
• A Swiss Re Sigma report noted a decrease in insurance penetration in India's life insurance sector from 3.2% in 2021-22 to 3% in 2022-23, while non-life insurance penetration remained at 1%.
• Overall, India's insurance penetration dropped to 4% in 2022-23 from 4.2% in the previous year.

GST on health and life insurance premiums

• GST, introduced on July 1, 2017, replaced all indirect taxes, including service tax and cess.
• Currently, GST on health and life insurance policies is fixed at 18%.
  • Prior to GST, life insurance premiums were subject to 15% service taxes, comprising Basic Service Tax, Swachh Bharat cess, and Krishi Kalyan cess.
• Since GST encapsulates service tax, which applies to the insurance industry, its introduction has resulted in an increase in premium amounts.
• This rise, combined with high medical inflation estimated at 14% last year, has made medical and term insurance less affordable for many.
• The government acknowledged in Parliament that it received requests for an exemption or reduction in GST rates on life and health insurance.

Rationale behind imposing the GST on health and life insurance premiums

• Role of GST Council
  • The GST rates and exemptions on services, including health insurance premiums, are set by the GST Council, which includes the Union Finance Minister and state/UT ministers.
• Revenue earning segment for the government
  • GST is applicable to all insurance policies since insurance is a service, and policyholders pay tax on their insurance premium.
  • This segment fetched Rs 21,256 crore in GST during the last three financial years, and another Rs 3,274 crore from the reissuance of health policies.
• Certain deductions allowed while computing income tax
  • Insurance premiums are eligible for tax deductions under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, with deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh, including GST, and additional deductions for medical riders.

Need for withdrawing the GST on the premium

• Large increases in premium on health insurance policies
  • The main issue is the large increases in premium on health insurance policies this year — a leading public sector insurer has hiked the premium by 50%.
• GST on insurance in India is the highest in the world
  • Many experts have pointed out that the GST on insurance in India is the highest in the world.
  • This step might create challenges for IRDAI’s goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”.
• Report by Standing Committee on Finance
  • The Standing Committee on Finance in its 66th report, submitted to Parliament in February 2024, recommended rationalisation of the GST rate on insurance products, especially health and term insurance.
  • It said that the high rate of GST results in a high premium burden, which acts as a deterrent to getting insurance policies.

Q.1. What is Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax levied on every value addition in India. It replaced multiple indirect taxes and is implemented to create a unified national market, simplifying taxation, and ensuring a seamless flow of input tax credits across the supply chain.

Q.2. What is Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is the apex body overseeing the insurance industry in India. Established to protect policyholders' interests, promote fair practices, and ensure the orderly growth of the insurance sector, IRDAI regulates, licenses, and monitors insurance companies and intermediaries.

Source: Explained: The debate over GST on health insurance

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Tropical Cyclones
• Reasons behind Typhoon Yagi becoming the strongest storm in Asia
• Operation Sadbhav by India

Why in News?

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest tropical cyclone in Asia this year and second only to Hurricane Beryl globally, has caused widespread devastation across Southeast Asia. 

Countries like the Philippines, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand have been severely affected, but Vietnam has borne the brunt of the storm, with around 233 deaths. Torrential rains, floods, and landslides have added to the challenges faced by millions in the affected areas.

Tropical Cyclones

• About
  • Cyclones that develop in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer are called tropical cyclones. 
  • The World Meteorological Organisation uses the term 'Tropical Cyclone’ to cover weather systems in which winds exceed ‘Gale Force’ (minimum of 34 knots or 63 kph).
  • Tropical cyclones are the progeny of ocean and atmosphere, powered by the heat from the sea; and driven by easterly trades and temperate westerlies, high planetary winds and their own fierce energy.
• Formation of cyclones

• Tropical Cyclone is a weather phenomenon, which is formed only over warm ocean waters near the equator.
• Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone:
  • The centre of a cyclone is very calm and clear with very low air pressure. The average speed is 120 kmph.
  • They have closed isobars which leads to greater velocity.
    • Isobars are imaginary lines on a weather map that connect locations with equal atmospheric pressure.
  • They develop over oceans and sea only.
  • They move from east to west under the influence of trade winds.
  • They are seasonal in nature.
• Classification of cyclones
  • Cyclones are classified on the basis of wind speed by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):
  • Depression: Wind speeds of between 31–49 km/h
  • Deep Depression: Between 50-61 km/h
  • Cyclonic Storm: Between 62–88 km/h
  • Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 89-117 Km/h
  • Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 118-166 Km/h
  • Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 166-221 Km/h
  • Super Cyclonic Storm: Above 222 Km/h
• Category of a tropical cyclone
  • The category of a tropical cyclone is determined by its sustained wind speed, as measured by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. 
  • It is classified into five categories — Category 1 to Category 5. 
  • While Category 1 tropical cyclones bring winds of 119 to 153 kmph, Category 5 tropical cyclones, which are the strongest, have winds of 252 kmph or higher. 
    • Storms that reach Category 3 and higher are considered major tropical cyclones due to their potential to inflict significant damage.
  • Tropical cyclones are known by different names in various regions
  • Hurricanes – In the in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
  • Tornados - In the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA
  • Typhoons – In the Northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly affecting East and Southeast Asia (e.g., Japan, Philippines, China, Taiwan).
  • Cyclones – In the Southwest Indian Ocean (off the coast of Africa, Madagascar), the Southeast Indian Ocean, and the Southwest Pacific Ocean.
  • Willy-Willies – An informal term used for tropical cyclones in Australia.

Reasons behind Typhoon Yagi becoming the strongest storm in Asia

• Warm waters of South China Sea
  • Typhoon Yagi started as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea. It made landfall in the Philippines and started to weaken. 
  • However, due to unusually warm waters in the South China Sea, the storm intensified again. 
  • Later, it became a Category 5 typhoon with peak maximum sustained winds of 260 kmph.
    • Typhoon Yagi is one of four Category 5 storms recorded in the South China Sea, after Pamela in 1954, Rammasun in 2014, and Rai in 2021.
  • The storm was subsequently downgraded to a tropical depression but still brought heavy rains last week in countries such as Myanmar, where it triggered severe floods around the remote capital, Naypyidaw.
• Role of climate change
  • Scientists are still debating how climate change affects tropical cyclones, as many factors influence storm formation and development. 
  • However, there is agreement that rising global temperatures are making tropical cyclones more intense. 
  • A recent study suggests that in Southeast Asia, cyclones are now forming closer to coastlines, intensifying faster, and lingering longer over land. 
  • This is likely due to warmer sea surface temperatures, which have increased by nearly 0.9°C since 1850. 
  • Hotter oceans fuel storms with more water vapor and heat, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and increased flooding when storms make landfall.

Operation Sadbhav by India

• India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam that have been hit by severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi.
• India has committed $1mn worth of flood relief assistance to Vietnam and $1,00,000 worth of assistance to Laos.
• India has been among the first responders in providing HADR to the region.
• This Operation is part of India’s broader effort to contribute to HADR within the ASEAN region, in line with its longstanding Act East Policy. 

Q.1. What made Typhoon Yagi the strongest storm in Asia this year? 

Typhoon Yagi intensified due to unusually warm waters in the South China Sea, reaching Category 5 with winds of 260 kmph. It caused widespread devastation in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, where floods and landslides led to hundreds of deaths.

Q.2. How does climate change affect tropical cyclones like Typhoon Yagi? 

Climate change is increasing the intensity of tropical cyclones by raising sea surface temperatures. Warmer oceans fuel storms with more heat and water vapor, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and more devastating landfall impacts.

Source: Behind Typhoon Yagi becoming the most powerful storm in Asia this year | CNN | NDMA | The Hindu

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Birth and Death Registration in India Latest News
• Gaps in Registration
• Responsibility for Registration Under the Civil Registration System (CRS)
• Centralised Portal for Birth and Death Registration
• Concerns Raised by the RGI
• Vital Statistics Report Not Published Since 2020
• Birth and Death Registration in India FAQs

Birth and Death Registration in India Latest News

• Recently, the Registrar General of India (RGI), under the Union Home Ministry, issued a circular directing private and government hospitals to report births and deaths within 21 days. 
• The move came after it was found that many medical institutions were violating this legal requirement, prompting action by the Vital Statistics division.

Gaps in Registration

• The Registrar General of India (RGI) issued a circular on March 17 noting that around 10% of births and deaths in India are still not registered. 
• While 90% registration has been achieved, the goal of 100% universal registration remains unmet.

Progress Since 2011

• According to the RGI, the registration level in 2011 was 82.4% for births and 66.4% for deaths, indicating significant progress over the years.

Legal Provisions and Penalties

• The Registration of Birth and Death (RBD) Act, 1969—amended in 2023—makes it mandatory to register all births and deaths. 
• Under Section 23(2), registrars who are negligent in performing their duties may face fines, which have been increased from ₹50 to up to ₹1,000.

Responsibility for Registration Under the Civil Registration System (CRS)

• Under the Civil Registration System (CRS), governed by the Registrar General of India (RGI), government hospitals act as registrars for births and deaths. 
• Private hospitals are required to report such events to the designated registrar so that certificates can be issued to the families.

Role of State Authorities and Departments

• The RBD Act empowers the RGI to coordinate with Chief Registrars appointed by State governments. 
• Registration duties vary across States:
  • Health Departments manage registration in States/UTs like Assam, Chandigarh, Haryana, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Panchayat Departments handle it in Kerala.
  • Directorate of Economics and Statistics manages it in Bihar.

Centralised Digital Registration System

• Following the 2023 amendment to the RBD Act (effective from October 1, 2023), all births and deaths in India must be digitally registered through the Centre’s Civil Registration System portal. 
• Chief Registrars and Registrars are mandated to share this data with the Central database maintained by the RGI.

Centralised Portal for Birth and Death Registration

• From October 1, 2023, all births and deaths in India must be registered digitally through a central portal. 
• This ensures uniformity, transparency, and seamless integration across government services.

Digital Birth Certificate as a Key Document

• The digital birth certificate is now the sole official document to prove date of birth for various purposes, including:
  • School admissions
  • Government job applications
  • Marriage registration
  • Obtaining passports and Aadhaar

Integration with National Databases

• The data from the central portal will be used to update key records such as:
  • National and State Population Registers (NPR)
  • Ration cards
  • Property registrations
  • Electoral rolls

Foundation for NPR and NRC

• The centralized registration system feeds into the National Population Register (NPR), which has a database of 119 crore residents. 
• The NPR, updated in 2015, is seen as a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
• Each resident’s information is linked through a unique registration number, connecting documents like Aadhaar and birth certificates — starting from birth, thereby creating a unified digital identity trail.

Concerns Raised by the RGI

• Delayed Registration by Hospitals
  • The RGI observed that some hospitals delay the registration process, waiting for family members to approach them instead of registering birth or death events proactively.
• Non-Compliance by Private Hospitals
  • Several private hospitals have been found to completely avoid reporting such events to the designated registrar. 
  • Instead, they direct families to handle the registration themselves, violating legal obligations.
• Lack of Citizen-Friendly Services
  • The RGI also flagged that some registrars fail to make the registration process user-friendly. 
  • It emphasized the need for timely issuance of birth and death certificates, ideally within seven days of the event.

Vital Statistics Report Not Published Since 2020

• The Vital Statistics of India report, which provides key national-level data on infant mortality, stillbirths, and deaths, has not been published since 2020. 
• This delay hampers the government’s ability to conduct effective socio-economic planning and evaluate social sector programs.

Importance of the Report

• Compiled from State-level data, the report is crucial for public health planning and assessing the impact of various welfare schemes. 
• It acts as a foundational document for health-related policy-making in India.

Status of State-Level Reporting

• While several States and UTs like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mizoram, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh have released their reports till 2022, Kerala’s last available report is from 2021. 
• Mizoram is the only State to have released its report for 2023.

Trends in Registered Births (2020 Report)

• According to the last published report (2020):
  • Registered births dropped from 2.48 crore in 2019 to 2.42 crore in 2020, a decline of about 2.4%.
  • Most States saw a dip in registered births, except Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
  • Interestingly, the level of Death registration increased from 76.4 lakh in 2019 to 81.2 lakh in 2020.

Birth and Death Registration in India FAQs

Q1. What is the Civil Registration System (CRS) in India?

Ans. The CRS records all births and deaths, with designated hospitals and registrars responsible under the Registrar General of India (RGI).

Q2. Why was a centralized portal launched for registration?

Ans. The centralized portal ensures digital, uniform registration of births and deaths and integrates with databases like NPR, Aadhaar, and electoral rolls.

Q3. What are RGI’s concerns about registration delays?

Ans. Hospitals delay registrations or avoid reporting; registrars often fail to offer user-friendly, timely services for citizens.

Q4. What legal changes were made under the RBD Act 2023?

Ans. The amended Act mandates digital registration and increases penalties for non-compliance by registrars and medical institutions.

Q5. Why is the Vital Statistics Report important?

Ans. It provides national data on births and deaths, essential for policy, planning, and evaluating social sector programs and health outcomes.

Source: TH | CRS

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is digital health?
• Why is digital health important?
• What are the challenges of digital health?
• News Summary: Global Initiative on Digital Health launched
• What is GIDH?
• What are the aims of GIDH?
• What are the pillars of GIDH?
• What are the strategies to be employed by GIDH?

Why in news?

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and the G20 India presidency announced a new Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH).
• GIDH was announced at the recently concluded Health Minister’s Meeting of the G20 Summit hosted by the Government of India.

What is Digital Health?

• Digital health refers to the use of technology, such as mobile devices, software applications, and other digital tools, to improve health and healthcare delivery.
• Basically, it is a multidisciplinary concept that includes concepts from an intersection between technology and healthcare.
• It encompasses a wide range of technologies and services, including telemedicine, electronic health records, wearable devices, health information exchange, and more.
• India’s CoWIN, UNICEF’s RapidPro and FamilyConnect etc. are few notable examples of digital health initiatives.
  • The real-time information platform, RapidPro, is a core solution in UNICEF’s digital health portfolio.
  • UNICeF’s FamilyConnect sends targeted life cycle-based messages via SMS to pregnant women, new mothers, heads of households etc.

Why is Digital Health important?

• Empowers Patients
  • Digital tools are giving providers a more holistic view of patient health through access to data and giving patients more control over their health.
  • Hence, it empowers patients to make better-informed decisions about their own health.
    • E.g., wearable devices can monitor vital signs and provide real-time feedback to patients and clinicians.
• Treatment of Disease
  • Digital health tools provide new options for facilitating prevention, early diagnosis of life-threatening diseases, and management of chronic conditions outside of traditional health care settings.
• Other benefits
  • Reduce inefficiencies; Improve access; Reduce costs; Increase quality, and Make medicine more personalized for patients.
• Support overall universal health coverage targets
  • Digital health is a great enabler in delivery of healthcare services and has the potential to support overall universal health coverage targets.
    • This is because it can ensure availability, accessibility and affordability, and equity of health services.
    • For example, telemedicine allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely.

What are the Challenges of Digital Health?

• Equitable access
  • Universalization of digital health and enabling of equitable access to healthcare services across the world, particularly for low- and middle-income countries is challenging. 
  • The issue of accessibility becomes more daunting against the backdrop of low digital literacy and low-level of internet penetration.
• Ethical Challenges related to privacy, security and data ownership
  • The increasing digitization of healthcare and the growth of mobile and IoT devices as data collection tools raises many ethical issues.
  • One commonly recurring theme relates to the exact nature of the role of consumer tech companies, such as Amazon, Apple etc. who have all entered the digital health domain.
  • Such companies offer solutions for collecting, storing and analysing health data which raises issues relating to privacy, data protection and informed consent.
  • Analysts also raise ethical concerns relating to data ownership.
• Ethical challenges related to regularisation of digital health technologies
  • The growth of apps and technologies developed for a consumer market blurs the lines between what is medical and non-medical devices.
  • Hence, it raises ethical challenges relating to how to regularize such technologies.
• Data management
  • Due to the massive amounts of data collected from a variety of systems that store and code data differently, data interoperability is an ongoing challenge.

News Summary: Global Initiative on Digital Health launched

What is GIDH?

• GIDH is one of the key deliverables of India’s G-20 Presidency. 
• It will consolidate the evidence and amplify recent and past gains in global digital health while strengthening mutual accountability to enhance the impact of future investments.
• GIDH will be a WHO Managed Network (“Network of Networks”) that will promote equitable access to digital health.
  • It will do so by sharing digital goods and knowledge.
• The GIDH will ensure inclusivity, integration, and alignment of healthcare goals by not leaving anyone behind.

What are the aims of GIDH?

• ALIGN efforts to support the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025;
• SUPPORT quality assured technical assistance to develop and strengthen standards-based and interoperable systems aligned to global best practices, norms and standards;
• FACILITATE the deliberate use of quality assured digital transformation tools that enable governments to manage their digital health transformation journey.

What are the pillars of GIDH?

• It will have four pillars:
  • investment tracker; ask tracker to track technologies the countries need; a library of available digital tools, and a platform for knowledge-sharing to implement these technologies at scale.

Image caption: Pillars of GIDH

What are the strategies to be employed by GIDH?

• The GIDH will bring countries and partners together to achieve measurable outcomes by:
  • developing clear priority-driven investment plans for digital health transformation;
  • improving reporting and transparency of digital health resources;
  • facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions and countries to accelerate progress;
  • increasing technical and financial support to the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 and its next phase.

Q1) What is CoWIN?

CoWIN stands for COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network. It is an online platform developed by the Indian government to facilitate the efficient and transparent distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the country. The CoWIN platform provides several features, including vaccine registration, appointment scheduling, and vaccination certification.  

Q2) What is UNICEF’s FamilyConnect ?

UNICEF's FamilyConnect is an innovative mobile application designed to provide pregnant women and new mothers with the information and support they need to ensure the health and wellbeing of their babies and themselves. The app provides a range of features, including personalized pregnancy and postnatal care guidance, health tips, nutrition advice, and parenting resources.

Source: WHO-managed grid to promote equitable access to digital health | PIB | World Health Organisation

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• The Indian Data Centre Sector
• Data Centres in the Emerging Markets in Asia-Pacific
• Case of India
• Efforts in India to Boost Computing Capacity

Why in News?

• Given the sector's expansion in emerging economies, India may become a major player in the data centre market in the years to come. However, it may also face stiff competition from nations like Malaysia and Vietnam.
• A data centre refers to a designated space within a building or a set of architectural configurations designed to accommodate computer systems and their associated components, including networking and storage systems.

The Indian Data Centre Sector:

• Data centre segments in India: It is categorised into two main segments: captive and outsourced (including colocation and hosting), and further divided by IT infrastructure type, which includes servers, storage, and enterprise networking.
• Market overview:
  • The Indian data centre market is currently in a dynamic phase, marked by impressive growth and substantial government support.
  • In 2023, India’s data centre market achieved revenues of approx. US$7.44 billion, with network infrastructure emerging as the dominant segment, valued at US$5.09 billion.
  • In 2022, the data centre capacity in India was at 637 MW. India is ranked the 13th largest data centre market in the world with 138 data centres.
  • Additionally, 45 new data centres with a combined 13 million square feet and 1,015 MW of capacity are scheduled to be developed by the end of 2025.
• Government support:
  • Data centre policy: To encourage investment and accelerate India’s current rate of data centre expansion, the Indian government is formulating a data centre policy.
• Salient provisions of the policy:
  • Incorporating data centres under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), Creating Data Centre Facilitation Units (DCFU),
  • Creating Data Centre Economic Zones, and
  • Creating a special category code for data centres under the National Building Code of India.
• Outlook:
  • India’s data centre sector is set for growth, driven by a thriving digital economy, widespread internet access, and the transition to 5G networks from 4G.
  • However, emerging regulatory frameworks require data localisation, which will impact demand in the data centre market.

Data Centres in the Emerging Markets in Asia-Pacific:

• Highlights of a research by S&P Global:
  • As over $100 billion will be invested in such facilities in the Asia-Pacific region over the next 5 years, emerging markets in the region are expected to outpace established markets in capacity growth.
  • The spending will capitalise on strong data growth and the rise in AI, cloud computing and digitalisation.
• Why are emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific an attractive alternative to developed markets?
  • Lower costs to develop and operate data centres;
  • Significant growth in data demand due to digitalisation and favourable demographics; and
  • Government support for the building of local data centres as part of their push for data sovereignty.

Case of India:

• According to the S&P Global research,
  • India currently has a leased data centre capacity of 1-3 GW, which is the highest compared to other emerging markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
  • India is already home to data centres set up by big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
• Challenges for India:
  • India could face competition from both emerging markets and developed economies in attracting more data centres.
  • For example, Johor Bahru in Malaysia has become a hot landing spot for new data centres. It can be a cheaper alternative to Singapore for regional data traffic, with more affordable land and power.
  • Japan is offering subsidies to decentralise data-centre development, such that new centres will be built away from big cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
• Opportunities for India:
  • Stricter data sovereignty requirements in the Southeast Asian country could give India an edge.
  • Data centres in tier-two or tier-three cities typically have lower land and construction costs compared with tier-one cities.
  • The Indian government is looking to subsidise setting up of data centres to capitalise on the AI boom, and make access to computing capacity easier for smaller entities like start-ups and research institutions.

Efforts in India to Boost Computing Capacity:

• Need:
  • Apart from data sets and inventive algorithms, one of the most crucial components of developing a huge AI system is computing capacity. 
  • Due to the high cost, it is also one of the most difficult components for smaller businesses seeking to develop such AI systems.
• Steps taken:
  • The Indian government is planning to procure graphics processing units (GPUs) as part of its ambitious IndiaAI Mission.
  • This will offer computing capacity to Indian start-ups, researchers, public sector agencies and other entities approved by the government.
• IndiaAI Mission:
  • Under the mission (launched at the GPAI Summit 2023), the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) will look -
    • To establish a computing capacity of more than 10,000 GPUs and
    • To help develop foundational models trained on datasets covering major Indian languages for priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
• Of the total outlay (of Rs 10,372 crore), Rs 4,564 crore has been earmarked for building computing infrastructure.

Q.1. What are graphics processing units (GPUs)?

A GPU is a processor that specialises in graphics-related tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and design work.

Q.2. What is the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) 1968?

The ESMA is an act of Parliament of India which was established to ensure the delivery of certain services, which if obstructed would affect the normal life of the people. This includes services like public transport (bus services), health services (doctors and hospitals).

Source: India’s data centre ambitions will have to go through Malaysia, Japan

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Rules on 'integrity of services'
• Rules for probationers
• Allegations against Khedkar

Why in News?

The Centre has set up a single-member committee under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to review the documents submitted by IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who secured a rank of 821 in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination. 

Khedkar was allotted the IAS under the OBC and Physically Handicapped quotas. Questions have been raised about her appointment under these categories.

It should be noted that Khedkar’s actions as a civil servant are governed primarily by two rules: the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and the Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954.

Rules on 'integrity of services

• Rules
  • All IAS, Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers are governed by the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules from the time they join their respective services, and begin their probation period.
• Integrity and Devotion to Duty
  • According to Rule 3(1), officers must uphold absolute integrity and dedication to their duties at all times.
• Gifts and Benefits
  • Rule 11(1) regulates the gifts and benefits received by a civil servant.
  • Acceptance of gifts is limited to those from near relatives, with strict reporting requirements for any gift exceeding Rs 25,000 to prevent influence on their duties.
  • This rule also prohibits officers from engaging in any trade or business to maintain impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest.
• Unbecoming of an officer
  • Rule 4(1) is more specific about what is unbecoming. 
  • It states that officers must not use their position or influence to secure employment for any member of his family with any private undertaking or NGO.
• Property details
  • Rule 13 of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules mandates that officers must annually submit property returns. 
  • These returns must detail all immovable properties that officers or their family members own, inherit, acquire, or hold through lease or mortgage. 
  • This requirement ensures transparency and prevents illicit accumulation of wealth among civil servants.
• Sub-rules added in 2014
  • In 2014, the government added a few sub-rules. 
  • This included that officers should maintain: 
    • high ethical standards, integrity and honesty; 
    • political neutrality; 
    • accountability and transparency; 
    • responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker sections; 
    • courtesy and good behaviour with the public.

Rules for probationers

• Rules
  • There is an additional set of rules that govern the conduct of officers during their probation period, which lasts for at least two years after selection to the services.
    • IAS officers, in addition, are governed by the IAS (Probation) Rules during their probation period.
• Probation Conditions
  • Officers undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. 
  • At the end of two years, they must pass an examination to be confirmed in their service.
• Salary and Allowances
  • Probationers receive a fixed salary and travel allowance but do not have entitlements like an official car, official accommodation, or an official chamber with staff.
• Probationer Discharge
  • Rule 12 outlines circumstances under which probationers can be discharged, such as being found ineligible or unsuitable for the service by the central government, neglecting duties, or lacking essential qualities needed for the service.
• Enquiry Process
  • If disciplinary action is initiated against a probationer, a summary enquiry is conducted by a committee appointed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). 
  • The committee submits its report within two weeks to inform decisions regarding the probationer's status.

Allegations against Khedkar

• Puja Khedkar, despite her low rank, secured a position in the prestigious IAS through reservations meant for OBC and Persons with Disabilities (PH). 
  • Since the batch of 1995, 27% seats in the services have been reserved for the OBC category. 
  • The PH reservation was introduced with the batch of 2006 — 3% seats in every category (General, OBC, SC, and ST) are reserved for the differently abled.
• However, allegations have surfaced regarding the validity of her OBC and PH certificates. 
  • If these allegations are proven true — that she falsified these certificates — Khedkar faces potential discharge from service.
    • Probationers are discharged, while confirmed officers are dismissed.
• The issue is compounded by a legal battle over her PH status, where she failed to attend a medical examination required by the UPSC, citing reasons including a Covid-19 infection. 
• Critics have raised questions about her eligibility for OBC (non-creamy layer) benefits, highlighting her family's background in politics and her father's former government service.
  • For those whose parents work in the private sector, the current threshold to qualify for the non-creamy layer status is an income of under Rs 8 lakh annually. 
  • For those with parents who work in the public sector, income is not taken into account. 
  • Rather, as per DoPT rules, what qualifies people to be in the creamy layer is either parent becoming a Group-A official before the age of 40, or both being Group-B officials with similar ranks.